When health care works: A story of caregiving and hope

Imagine waking up one morning unable to move your toes due to an unexpected health condition. Overnight your life has changed dramatically, as has your spouse or another loved one who steps up to help.

Regence member Saeed and his wife, Mojgan, experienced this very real situation. The numbness Saeed originally felt in his toes eventually spread through his body—the symptoms of a rare neurological disorder called Guillain-Barré syndrome, where the body’s immune system attacks the nervous system. Over time the condition progressed to the point Saeed was fully paralyzed and put on a ventilator. “And then came the worst thing that could have happened to me—my silence,” said Saeed. “I couldn’t talk.”

While continuing to work full-time, Mojgan suddenly found herself joining more than 50 million Americans who care for a loved one who is ill or living with a disability. “I’ve always counted on Saeed,” said Mojgan. “I never thought that I would be the one, that everyone would be counting on me.”

Through her Regence health plan, Mojgan was connected to Kris, a Regence care manager, who worked with her to navigate Saeed’s care. This caregiver duo—one a long-time nurse, the other a bank manager now caring for her ill husband—were able to find Saeed the care and resources he needed.

In honor of National Caregivers Month in November, we share Mojgan and Saeed’s story of caregiving and hope. Watch the full video and learn more about Regence's Care Management program. 

Caregiver health and well-being in the COVID era

In the best of times, the role of a caregiver can be challenging and overwhelming, and the current pandemic has only added stress and demands to these unsung heroes.

A Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) Health of America report from September 2020 found that unpaid caregivers are experiencing significant health declines due to the stress and pressure of caring for a spouse or child. The data show that, on average, this population had 26% poorer health compared to a benchmark population.

Regence resources and support for caregivers, members living with a serious illness

Regence's Care Management program is available to help members and their loved ones, providing caregivers with one-on-one support, resources and expertise. In addition, Regence members have access to palliative care—specialized medical care for people living with serious illness and significant injury.

Regence members who would like more information on care management, palliative care or other health plan benefits can call the number on the back of their member ID card.