 Let Us Help You: Success Stories: Senior Services
| Overview |
Senior Counselor |
C.A.R.E Telephone Reassurance |
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| Mike had always lived in the country, but once he retired he soon
felt lonesome at home all day. His family worked full time and
they wanted to find something meaningful for Mike, something
to keep him connected to his community. During a visit to the
Dale Association’s Senior Centre, they learned about the various
enrichment choices available and that Mike could get a ride in
each day, through our Dial-A-Lift program. Five days a week Mike
chooses to spend all day at the Centre. He joins new friends for a
nutritious lunch, enjoys positive socialization with people who share similar interests, plays card games, paints
and gets his exercise. Mike says “Why should I sit at home where there’s nobody to talk to, when I can be here
with friends and enjoy myself?” Why indeed! Mike’s family is thrilled to see their Dad (now in his 80’s) really enjoying his golden years. |
Jim and JoAnne, both in their 80’s, were regulars
at the The Dale Association’s Senior Centre. They
both enjoyed socializing with their friends around
the Eat-Well-Stay-Well lunch table, often staying to
play cards, and always attending The Dale’s holiday
functions. When JoAnne’s cancer reappeared and
the treatments stole her energy and her ability to
walk, they both needed help. Jim couldn’t carry
JoAnne to the car alone, and Joanne needed to get
her to radiation four days a week. The Dale Association staff reached out to Jim and
JoAnne to offer assistance and fellowship. During her first home visit, our Senior
Counselor helped them resolve several issues, including transportation and more
affordable insurance. Equally important, she promised to visit again. Jim gets teary eyed
recounting the love he feels from his friends at The Dale Association. |
Legally blind, and living alone in North Tonawanda, Ron had become so isolated in his apartment, that when our senior counselor visited him she was very concerned. She explained our C.A.R.E. telephone reassurance program to Ron, who agreed it would be nice to have someone call him each day to check in. The C.A.R.E. volunteer and senior counselor identified other areas of concern. They arranged for Ron to receive home delivered meals on the weekends – when he typically went hungry. They coordinated a daily ride to his local senior center where he now enjoys a group lunch and socialization, and they found a local volunteer who regularly takes Ron grocery shopping. Our volunteer has noticed such positive changes in Ron’s voice: “He seems to have grown so much, he actually sounds bubbly! He tells me each day how thankful he is for my call and for our help improving the quality of his life.” |
| Lockport Senior Centre |
Transportation |
Vision & Hearing Program |
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Lorraine’s daughter wanted her mom to be happy again. But when Lorraine’s husband of 49 ½ years died, she went into a real depression. Her daughter moved her in with her, hoping that would help. After weeks of watching her sit sadly by the kitchen window, she bundled mom into the car and drove her to The Dale Association. Lorraine said she felt like a kindergartner again, going off to school for the first time. But she was warmly welcomed at the door, and she’s been coming everyday since. “Joining The Dale Association, where I’m actively involved in groups and volunteering, has really given me back my life”, says Lorraine. She especially enjoys the social sewing group, where she creates homemade treasures for those less fortunate and the Intergenerational program where she connects with area 4th graders.
Membership to The Dale Association allows people to stay connected to their community, gives them advance notice on enrichment activities, as well as discounts on most classes and trips. As Lorraine’s daughter would say, “it has added years, purpose and laughter to Mom’s life.” |
Arthur has such peace of mind knowing that his
mother has a reliable ride to and from her dialysis
treatments throughout the week. “My wife and I
work full time, and Mom lives with us. The Dale
Association’s medical van driver is great – he walks
Mom from our front door, helps steady her and even
carries her bag. I know that Mom is in good hands
and is getting to her appointments the days that
I can’t take her myself. The van driver has really
become an extension of our family. I don’t know
what we’d do without him!” Arthur’s mom, Olivia,
needs our medical transportation service three days a week in order to get her life-saving
dialysis treatments. |
Since retiring from teaching, Marti loved reading the newspaper
each day. She enjoyed doing the crossword puzzle, reading the
editorials and catching up on the local news. Three nights a
week she tutored students at the local public library.. She was
aware that her eyesight was changing, but assumed it was part
of the normal aging process. When her eye doctor told her the
shocking news that she had glaucoma and that it was fairly
advanced, she thought her world was ending. How could she
possibly read the paper or tutor students? How could she drive
to the store or take care of herself?
Fortunately, Marti’s doctor gave her a name that changed her whole outlook: Nancy Smith, the coordinator for The
Dale Association’s Vision & Hearing Impairment program. Nancy had the VHI Program’s Low Vision Specialist visit
Marti in her home for a vision assessment. Nancy and the Low Vision Specialist were happy to link Marti to important
community services to assist her. Nancy provided Marti with assistive devices that make daily activities easier. Marti
rides our Dial-A-Lift van into the Centre to participate in the Book Club for visually impaired. There, she discusses
books, the news and local events with other people experiencing vision loss. Marti never thought she’d need the Dale
Association so soon after retiring, but she’s since learned we are so much more than just a senior center! |
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