The Best Decision We Ever Made

As told by Ruth, wife & caregiver for her husband Bruce

My husband Bruce started in the atomic industry in 1974. He worked there for 26 years and retired in 2000. He had several different jobs—metallurgist, laborer, mechanic, maintenance mechanic, laundry worker, then went back and forth between maintenance and centrifuge equipment three different times. His starting pay was five dollars per hour but he ended up making almost twenty dollars per hour toward the end before he retired.

His exposure from his work caused him hearing loss, skin cancer, emphysema, COPD, and heart problems as a consequence of his COPD—he’s had a quadruple bypass. He now also has shortness of breath and fatigue with minimal exertion.

When we first started with the other home care company we had a great case manager that we both liked. After she left, it was okay. We got a new case manager who worked in Kentucky across the river from Portsmouth, Ohio. We had only one staff meeting. As a family caregiver, I thought we should be having more meetings so we could learn about what is going on in the program and about the workers in the atomic industry.

There were many reasons why we switched companies. One reason why I wanted to switch was because the company didn’t do what I thought they should do. I was shorted on my paychecks and there were many times that there were issues with their computer and iPad that I had to do my progress notes on to document Bruce’s care.

We met Nuclear Care Partners at some of their local events and they helped us through the process of switching companies and made us feel supported. The whole team was there for us. They would answer any questions we had. The process of switching was well worth it!

What we liked about Nuclear Care Partners was that they helped Bruce with his white card and showed him a lot of things that can be done to help him with his health problems. Nick, the Ohio Community Outreach Manager, has been really helpful. Nick was on top of everything and has helped Bruce in every way that he can. The former company said that they could and would do the same, but why didn’t they do it?

Nuclear Care Partners is on top of everything and up to date with what is going on in the program. They are so professional and they are there to help people in any way they can with their health problems from working at the atomic energy plant. They also direct people in the right places for help.

Since switching, it has been great! There have been great changes for me. They take care of my employment taxes for me, I’m paid on time with direct deposit, and they’re so easy to get along with.

I like going to the company meetings because I learn a lot from them and am able to stay on top of what is going on. I like our case manager and the nurse, they are very helpful to us. As a caregiver, if you have any questions they will answer them for you, help train you, and call you back. The company is very good and friendly, and willing to work with you.

What I like about NCP is that we are a home team who works together. We can accomplish anything together.

Nuclear Care Partners is the best! I can tell you that I was on the fence about switching providers, but I’m so glad we switched and I wish we would’ve done it a long time ago. Best decision we ever made.

To read this full article in our Summer 2021 edition of Atomic Health News, click here.