“We noticed that with the passing of my father a little over a year ago, my mother Janice was having short-term memory problems, so she reached out to her doctor and said, “I've got concerns.”

"My mother’s mom passed away from dementia, so we've always had it in the forefront of our minds that our mother could have the same cognitive issues.” 

The entire process with Brain Health was very easy.

“Her doctor scheduled her to see the team at USC Brain Health so she could get cognitive screening along with direction for what was possibly next. I actually think my mother’s doctor referred her to Brain Health not just for the screening, but, also, to put her mind more at ease--remove some of the anxiety she was experiencing. 

The entire process with Brain Health was very easy. It was easy for my mother, who has since been diagnosed with cognitive impairment, to navigate the entire process.” 

We got easy — and thoughtful — access to Brain Health services.

“The Brain Health team coordinated everything with my mother so she could see the nurse practitioner Rob McMahon and his whole team in one appointment. We received easy, and thoughtful access to Brain Health services. 

Since my mother’s appointment was in Winnsboro, it wasn't in a busy area that was difficult for her to find. She was able to get there and home easily, which is very important. 

Most clinics don’t recognize the needs that these patients have. Brain Health has done an excellent job taking all their patients’ needs into consideration, which I really appreciate.” 

The nurse practitioner Rob really listened to her needs.

“On top of that, the scheduling with my mother was fantastic. It was amazing how Brain Health ensured that there was enough time for the appointment— that she did not feel rushed. She did not feel like she was just another patient. 

Rob took the time to listen to her, to listen to her needs. I attended the appointment with my mother, and he made both of us feel very comfortable.” 

Takia was fabulous to work with.

"Takia, the certified community health worker, was fabulous! She and Rob make a great team — it was obvious they really cared about both of us and what we really needed help with. 

On top of that, they provided good literature upon our departure. They have since followed up with my mother, as well as, circled back with me to ensure their follow-ups with my mother were understood, and if my mother had any questions that she didn’t express during our appointment. 

I even asked Takia for some recommendations on some of the obstacles we have had with mom since our visit. Takia responded to me within two hours providing valuable resources alongside recommendations from the Brain Health speech pathology staff.” 

The communication with us has been fabulous. 

“The communication with us has been fabulous, from beginning to end. There's been constant communication throughout the entire process.

There has also been constant communication with my mother. The Brain Health team checks in with her on a regular basis to make sure she has an understanding of what are next steps, along with how the team can help her manage her disorder and live a better life.” 

What Brain Health is doing in rural areas is tremendous. 

“The fact that Brain Health is going into areas and markets so that people don't have to go into the larger cities to gain access to programs like this is tremendous.

I could not imagine my mother trying to navigate through downtown Columbia. Like many, driving in larger cities make her flustered.  Having to navigate traffic, the red lights, the construction…only then to go through a maze full of suites in order to find your way to a doctor’s office and back out to the car.  It's a lot for most patients, even without a diagnosed disorder. Therefore, it’s a challenge.  

It’s phenomenal that y'all are doing this in rural areas-removing any obstacles as it relates to access for those.  Far too often, patients are not receiving the care they need or deserve simply because they do not have access to the necessary programs.  They don’t live in an area that provides the programs because of population or economics. Brain Health’s program provides care for those patients and families with cognitive needs where they are removing any marginalization.”  

“I just cannot thank you enough.”

Pictured above are Laura's mother Janice Jones and her family members.