Sophie's story comes from an article  written by Sonya Hardin and Leslie Hussey.  This article is found in Critical Care Nurse. 

Sophie was a 82 year old woman.  She lived alone and received her income from Social Security.  She had high blood pressure, diabetes, and several other health problems.  She took a lot of medicines, costing $350 a month. 

Sophie came to a CHF clinic.  During her visit she complained of shortness of breath a 3 pound weight gain since her last visit, high blood pressure and heart rate and swollen feet. The nurse found that she had not taken her medicine in three days and was not eating well because she had ran out of money. 

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The outcome for Sophie was good.  She was set up to receive 1 hot meal a day by Meals on Wheels.  She also was setup to receive sample medications during the last week of the month.  Sophie also realized how important it is to weigh every day to catch the extra fluid and be treated.

Remember there are options available to you.  Talk to your doctors about these options.