For 89 year-old Lidia, her home was not only where her heart was, but lost when she was involuntarily removed because of inflicted physical abuse by a family member. Lidia was brought to a local assisted living facility by her younger sister Natalie, a snow bird from New York, in an effort to protect her from her abuser who was living with her. The move was to be temporary, however months turned into years. Lidia unhappily settled into her new home where she was protected as the facility restricted Lidia’s abuser from visiting her.
Natalie soon realized that she needed help with the massive responsibilities of Lidia’s personal needs. She contacted MonarchCare who became Lidia’s legal guardian. It was immediately determined that Lidia had a strong desire to return to her home. MonarchCare took legal action and obtained a restraining order to prevent Lidia’s abuser from contacting her. MonarchCare, using strict supervision, was able to restore Lidia’s relationship with her abuser while not compromising Lidia’s safety. Successfully, supervised visitations began, but only one actual visit ever happened…Lidia’s abuser died of a massive heart attack the very next morning while working out at the gym.
Today, Lidia is happily living back at home …where her heart is. Lidia, once physically abused, living with anger and grief due to the many losses of her life of luxury once lived, is now safely living with restored dignity and respect.