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Ruth is still living
in the same home where she was born over 92 years ago. She has
literally outlived all her family and friends and literally has
no "emergency" contact. While she suffered a stroke
many years ago that affected her entire right side, she is determined
to remain independent in her home. She moves around in her wheel
chair, dusting, wiping, arranging, heating, washing, and drying
as she can. With the help of the LAIVC Faith in Action Program,
Ruth is now completely surrounded by a number of caring people
who are helping her maintain her "independent" lifestyle.
She has two volunteers who visit, write checks for bills, and
run to the Post Office, pharmacy, and store. Another volunteer
takes her to her occasional doctor appointments. A fourth volunteer
calls weekly to say hello (and check on her). Volunteers from
Meals on Wheels deliver hot meals five days a week. A hairdresser
comes to her home for her monthly haircut. An aide provided through
the county Area Agency on Aging visits twice weekly to help her
with bathing and light housework. Her minister visits once a
month with communion and news from her church. A neighbor calls
when she is going to the store to see if she needs bread or milk
or ice cream (Ruth's favorite!). Once isolated and certain to
move to a long term care facility (or worse), Ruth is surrounded
by many in the community who are enhancing her quality of life
and helping her to maintain her lifestyle. It is not just
about long term care. It is really more about long term living
for Ruth.
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