Jacob’s Story: The Power of Trust

Submitted by Camrin Netty, MS, CCC-SLP, Therapy Resource, Emerald Market - Kansas

When Jacob arrived at Aspen Health & Wellness, he was living out of his car and slow to trust. Basic tasks like changing clothes, bathing, and grooming were overwhelming for him. When Meghann Barrish joined the team at Aspen in August, she noted he often insisted on wearing the same clothes and resisted self care.

Melissa Simons, their receptionist, has a gift with making everyone feel seen, valued, and welcomed as soon as they walk through the doors at Aspen. Jacob trusted her more than anyone. She took time to sit with him daily, walked with him to meals, and helped him feel safe through small, consistent interactions. Meghann and Melissa paid attention to what mattered most to Jacob. He felt calmer when he could watch the birds, so they made sure he had a seating area that allowed him to do so – and to recline when he needed. With Melissa's consistent support, Jacob gradually began to trust Meghann and others, too.

The team at Aspen learned that Jacob's refusal to change clothes wasn’t defiance—his clothing gave him comfort and control. So, Meghann decided to buy him identical outfits to what he preferred. With help from Geoffrey Nyairo, RN, and multiple CNAs, they created a respectful plan with full autonomy for Jacob: when he slept, his clothes were washed and replaced with clean, matching ones. This became a turning point for Jacob.

After weeks of offering but never forcing, he allowed Meghann to trim his nails. Months later, he let Kylee Murphy, their ADON, cut his hair and beard. Today, Jacob changes clothes regularly, grooms himself, and engages more with staff. He feels better—and it shows in how he carries himself.  His story reminds us that trust, patience, consistency, and meeting people where they are at in order to provide person-centered care leads to restoring dignity. This is the mission that those at Aspen Health and Wellness are committed to living every day.

Big thanks to Melissa, Meghann, Kylee, Geoffrey – and all other involved – for reminding us what it means to respectfully love others and dignify lives ❤