" It took years for the doctors to diagnose my wife’s disease, which ultimately had no treatment or cure. During the early phase, due to Susan’s dementia (which was unknown to me at the time), she could not recall any of her physicians. Celeste's help in finding an appropriate internist and multiple specialists for Susan's rare neurological disorder was both timely and essential. Over the last 5 years of her life, Susan lost the ability to walk, see, and eventually even speak. Celeste's insistence on keeping Susan engaged and moving - especially with aqua therapy when she lost the ability to stand, not only extended Susan's life, but gave her moments of great joy. The slow progression of APBD and Susan's deterioration was extremely difficult for both of us, but Celeste's medical guidance, support, and research for her care, enabled Susan to have an optimal journey until the end of her life."
- Bill, Venice CA
- Bill, Venice CA
“We lived 400 miles away from my parents. As for most families, it's a struggle to convince parents they would be better off to leave their home of several decades and move where their adult children can assist with their needs. As a former nurse, my Mom felt she was capable of managing the medicines she and my Dad required, but her short term memory loss was creating a risk for both of them. We hired Celeste who was incredibly patient, persistent, and pleasant in overcoming Mom’s strong resistance to accept help. Over the next 8 months Celeste was able to try several strategies in helping my parents manage their medical needs and stay safe in their home. From setting up their weekly medicines, communicating with doctors, monitoring my dad as he went in and out of the hospital then into rehab and coordinating home health, helped us immensely. If my parents had not finally agreed to move near us in Northern California, I know we would still be heavily depending on Celeste. We were always confident she would anticipate problems and follow through with the task at hand, while giving us regular and timely updates on how things were progressing. On a personal level Celeste is wonderful! We really enjoyed getting to know her and miss seeing her! "
- Gary, Novato CA
“We lived 400 miles away from my parents. As for most families, it's a struggle to convince parents they would be better off to leave their home of several decades and move where their adult children can assist with their needs. As a former nurse, my Mom felt she was capable of managing the medicines she and my Dad required, but her short term memory loss was creating a risk for both of them. We hired Celeste who was incredibly patient, persistent, and pleasant in overcoming Mom’s strong resistance to accept help. Over the next 8 months Celeste was able to try several strategies in helping my parents manage their medical needs and stay safe in their home. From setting up their weekly medicines, communicating with doctors, monitoring my dad as he went in and out of the hospital then into rehab and coordinating home health, helped us immensely. If my parents had not finally agreed to move near us in Northern California, I know we would still be heavily depending on Celeste. We were always confident she would anticipate problems and follow through with the task at hand, while giving us regular and timely updates on how things were progressing. On a personal level Celeste is wonderful! We really enjoyed getting to know her and miss seeing her! "
- Gary, Novato CA
"Celeste came to USC County Hospital many times to help me with my son David, who was dying from cancer. She was very devoted in helping him get through his dying process. She knew how to talk to him with great sensitivity and helped in the process of signing many forms and making difficult decisions. She took a lot of the complex paperwork off my hands at a time when it was difficult for me to contend with these issues. She was extremely helpful in her professional manner, and has great integrity."
- George, Santa Monica CA
“Celeste helped our family immensely when it came time to decide how and when to move my mom out of her house and into an assisted living facility. It’s times like those when you realize how valuable it is to have an experienced voice who’s not a member of the family. Celeste is compassionate, understanding, and above all, a creative thinker. She meets her goals not by bulldozing down the existing roads, but by forging new paths that others have missed. I can't recommend her highly enough."
- Robert, North Hollywood CA
"Celeste helped my husband Dee who had great anxiety about medical tests and procedures. She came to our house with photos of these new machines, spoke of them as works of art, and explained the processes in detail so he became less fearful. For the first time my husband consented to get an MRI. Celeste has a gift for reducing a patient's anxiety - she is calm, knowledgeable, efficient and caring. I would not have made it through that first month without her guidance and nursing abilities ... When Dee died a year later I was completely lost, but Celeste knew what to do for me every step of the way. She understood everything about the grieving process, helped me plan the funeral service, coordinated all the support systems I needed, and always had the right thing to say to give me perspective which was a great comfort to me."
- Sandra, Brentwood CA
"Celeste helped my husband Dee who had great anxiety about medical tests and procedures. She came to our house with photos of these new machines, spoke of them as works of art, and explained the processes in detail so he became less fearful. For the first time my husband consented to get an MRI. Celeste has a gift for reducing a patient's anxiety - she is calm, knowledgeable, efficient and caring. I would not have made it through that first month without her guidance and nursing abilities ... When Dee died a year later I was completely lost, but Celeste knew what to do for me every step of the way. She understood everything about the grieving process, helped me plan the funeral service, coordinated all the support systems I needed, and always had the right thing to say to give me perspective which was a great comfort to me."
- Sandra, Brentwood CA
