From Crisis to Thriving

Fran’s Journey to Wellness

Fran’s son was supposed to pick her up to attend a family member’s memorial. Instead, he took Fran to the emergency room. Doctors diagnosed her with failure to thrive. She was also dehydrated and malnourished.

Fran recalled how she had stopped cooking much. It had been a hot August, and she wasn’t drinking enough water. During COVID, she stopped going to the gym and hadn’t picked the routine back up. She had discovered Words with Friends and spent most of her time on the couch playing. In short, Fran was a ghost of her former strong self. “It shocked me that I let myself go this far,” Fran admitted. The heat took a toll on her.

When Fran was released from the hospital, her children didn’t give her a choice. They found an apartment for her at Bruceville Point, where her daughter-in-law works as the Marketing Director.

Meeting Fran today, it’s hard to imagine the difficult situation she faced less than two years ago. Now, she is thriving in every aspect of her life, exuding spunk, tenacity, and a vibrant spirit of energy. Her joy and gratitude are palpable, spreading effortlessly to those around her.

Physical Wellness

Fran has regained energy and the weight she lost. Fran attends multiple fitness classes daily, since access to them is so easy. “I’m not a ball of fire by any means,” she confesses, although joining her for a fitness class, I might beg to differ!

Emotional Wellness

While Fran worked hard, first as a mother and then as a registered nurse, she considers herself very fortunate to have the opportunity to live at Bruceville Point. “I feel blessed,” Fran said. The increased sense of security and support from staff contributes to Fran’s sense of emotional well-being.

Social Wellness

“Life is much better,” Fran said, filled with gratitude. “I may be French-born and raised, but I was never much of a cook!” Now Fran joins friends in the Cypress Dining Room for dinner. “People say we have the happiest table in the dining room because we’re always laughing,” Fran happily claimed.

“It’s like a big family. I keep saying that, but it’s true. I’ve made friends here,” Fran said.

Spiritual Wellness

Fran recognizes that nothing is perfect, and she chooses to see that her life is better than she had any reason to expect. As the fifth of eight children, suffering through the destruction of World War II in France, with money always tight, Fran could not have dreamed of the life she has now. “I consider myself very fortunate,” Fran said.

Intellectual Wellness

Fran is engaged in her life again. She attends multiple classes, explores the local parks, and visits with friends daily. She is stimulated in a way that she was not when she lived alone in her home. She has a new neighbor who, she learned, plays Words with Friends. The game that kept her on the couch all day before is now something she reserves for the evening, playing with her neighbor.

Occupational Wellness

While Fran recognizes that women of her generation were not meant to be employed, she is grateful that circumstances forced her to leave home at 18 to study. After she divorced, she put her schooling to use, working and continuing her education to become a registered nurse. For twenty years, Fran worked at a Veteran’s home. She is proud that her employment allows her to live at Bruceville Point. Now, Fran engages in the community, being a contributing member, whether through her participation in fitness classes or being at the happiest table in the dining room. Fran’s company is a bright spot for many in her community.

“Being here has helped me flourish,” Fran said. “I don’t know what I would do without Bruceville Point.”

If Fran’s journey makes you curious about how a change might benefit you, please reach out to our Counselors (Fran’s Mother-in-Law!) to learn more.

Deciding when to move is often challenging. Learn more in our Guide: Should You Stay or Should You Go?