Rep. Alonna Berry visits home care client
Rep. Alonna Berry, D-Milton, visited a constituent in home health care as a way of better understanding the challenges faced by patients, workers and family members.
Berry visited the Milton home of Lori Valentino and her son, Zach, now 35, who was born with tuberous sclerosis and epilepsy. Zach’s condition can lead to seizures, and his symptoms need to be monitored frequently. In order to have her son live a relatively normal life while also allowing him to get the care he needs, Valentino works with BAYADA Home Health Care for home-based care. BAYADA has 64 nurse residents throughout Delaware.
According to caregiver Robin Laffey, a typical day begins at 6:30 a.m., where they help wake Zach up, give him breakfast and give him a bath. She also helps make him lunch to take to Easterseals, where Zach participates in adult programs. Valentino said Zach loves car rides and being in motion. While he can walk with assistance, Zach does utilize a wheelchair.
Berry became interested in home health care as an issue after having a relative who needed home care. She wants to gather information on the challenges and potential funding needs for those who rely on home health care ahead of the state legislature’s discussions on the state budget when the General Assembly reconvenes in January.
Ryan Mavity covers Milton and the court system. He is married to Rachel Swick Mavity and has two kids, Alex and Jane. Ryan started with the Cape Gazette all the way back in February 2007, previously covering the City of Rehoboth Beach. A native of Easton, Md. and graduate of Towson University, Ryan enjoys watching the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Capitals and Baltimore Orioles in his spare time.
