The adult children of Mr. and Mrs. S were overwhelmed and frustrated in dealing with the health issues of their 80-something parents. Mr. S had moderate Alzheimers and Mrs. S had tremors that  might be Parkinsons. In addition, they were living in the house where they had lived for 50 years, which was becoming decrepit and, the kids feared, dangerous.

One of their daughters lived far away and the other two were busy with their own children and careers. When one of the two local sisters also moved out of the area, the remaining sister knew she wouldn't be able to pick up the slack of accompanying her parents to their doctors' appointments and was overwhelmed by their medications and housework.

The children got together and decided to call Everybody Needs A Nurse. . .

Diane assessed the couple's immediate medical needs, noticing that Mr. S, the Alzheimers patient, had a complex pill regimen that was completely unorganized. As she organized all the couple's medications, Diane also untangled the web of specialists and doctors.  It turned out that Mr. S had been making doctors' appointments that he then forgot about.  Diane weeded out the unnecessary appointments and accompanied them to the others, making sure the doctors understood their needs and that they understood the doctor.

Through all this, Diane communicated with the rest of the family, ensuring that everyone was informed of the situation at each step.

Diane also persisted in probing Mrs. S's Parkinsons diagnosis. This turned out not to be Parkinsons, but an adverse reaction to medication. In her home visits, Diane was able to monitor Mrs. S's tremors and document that they had diminished as Mrs. S weaned off the medication.

Mr. and Mrs. S now live in an independent living facility. Diane continues to attend their doctors' appointments and visit them at home.  Many of their most troubling symptoms have receded and their family is reassured that they are in good hands.