Many elderly people struggle to find ways to shop for groceries and other essentials, travel to a doctor's appointment or keep their homes clean and safe because they lack the in-home support they need. Too often, these inpiduals lose their independence completely and are prematurely placed in institutional care.
Peggy Topliff and Myrta Gage are just one example of the how the Friends RSVP and Interfaith Caregiver programs have rallied around their neighbors to support senior independence.
Myrta, now 72, started as a care recipient in 2001. Because of a sudden decline in her health, she had difficulty maintaining her active and independent lifestyle. The uncertainty of the long-term effects of the illness, coupled with a lack of local public transportation, added to her growing sense of isolation. Living alone and unable to drive, Myrta first called The Friends Interfaith Caregiver Program to get rides from her home to medical providers on Pleasant Street.
At first, Myrta was provided rides by volunteer drivers who took turns helping her getting her to appointments. These same volunteers took her grocery shopping and stopped in to visit. “The visits were a source of strength, especially when the going got rough. For this I am grateful,” says Myrta.
Today, Myrta still receives assistance from Interfaith Caregiver volunteers. Peggy, a retired exercise franchise owner and a member of Wesley United Methodist Church, volunteered to make sure that Myrta could get to her doctor's appointments whenever she needed to. Myrta's health has improved and the two have become friends.
“I have a new friend,” says Myrta. “I am so delighted!” Peggy says the same: “Our personalities just meshed. It worked out perfectly.”
Donna Odde
Retired Senior Volunteer Program Director
