It was a series of unfortunate circumstances that led Larry Heiserman to the brink of homelessness.
In 2010, Larry suffered a traumatic brain injury while in his 40s. He moved in with his parents and his mother became his caregiver. But then during the COVID-19 pandemic, she was diagnosed with cancer and died just two years later.
“Her death really hit him hard, and he quit taking the medication for his traumatic brain injury,” says Larry’s sister, Sherie Taylor.
Without his medication, Larry’s personality changed. Then, a misunderstanding led to him needing a new home.
Larry lived in a motel for several weeks and Sherie called him twice a day to make sure he took his medication. She also drove a two-hour round trip each week to visit Larry and make sure his medications were ready for the following week.
It wasn’t a long-term solution. Sherie knew Larry needed a place to live that could provide the support he needed, but the roadblocks seemed insurmountable.
“I would call three nursing homes a day and be told no, no, no. They wouldn’t even listen to the whole story,” says Sherie.
Help when they needed it
The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services eventually contacted Good Samaritan Society – Valley Vista in Wamego on Sherie’s behalf. The location sent a nurse to assess Larry while Sherie was on the phone.
Within a few days, Larry moved into the long-term care center.
“Thank God Valley Vista took a chance on him,” Sherie states.
Megan Matthews is the social services and activities supervisor at Valley Vista. She knows the importance of helping those who have a mental illness.
“In rural America, there’s very few resources and many people don’t even realize they have the conditions that they do,” she says.
She works to break the mold at Valley Vista by assessing people like Larry and helping them if Valley Vista has the resources to do so.
“We took Larry in with open arms and embraced him for who he is,” says Megan. “I think the most important thing we’ve been able to show Larry is kindness.”
The right environment
Since moving there in June 2024, Larry has told Sherie that he loves it at Valley Vista and wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
“From that first moment, Larry has felt comfortable here,” Megan states. “We made sure that we didn’t overwhelm him. Since then, he’s adapted well and jokes around with the staff.”
His private room has all the furnishings from his bedroom at his parents’ house.
The building also has comfortable common spaces and activities to keep residents busy.
“He’s been able to get physical therapy for his leg and is walking a lot better,” says Sherie.
When Sherie visits Larry, she brings her dog, Truman, a certified therapy dog.
“The residents, Larry and staff all love Truman time,” Sherie states.
She is thankful that Larry has become more social while living at Valley Vista. His favorite thing to do is play cards.
“There’s days where he gets out on his own and jokes and talks,” says Megan. “He’s probably one of the nicest and most respectful residents we have.”