With a Bit of Support there’s No Place like Home

Nellie and Romeo

Nellie R. passed away last month, just short of her 97^th birthday. Nellie was fiercely independent and adamant about living in her own home. And she succeeded – living out her final days on her own terms, in the home she shared with her husband throughout their 73 years of marriage. The same home where her husband had been born. He had died in 2013 at the age of 96.

Chances are Nellie never heard the term Aging in Place, defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” But that is exactly what she managed to do with some assistance from Lakes Region Community Services’ HomeAssist Program.

HomeAssist provides non-medical, hands on services for aging seniors and adults with chronic illnesses or disabilities. Services includes meal planning and preparation; grocery shopping and errands; light housekeeping, floor care, changing of linens and laundry; medication reminders; assistance with personal care; and companionship.

Rather than moving to an assisted living facility or nursing home, HomeAssist clients are often able to remain in their homes safe and comfortable. Each individual has a Plan of Care developed especially for them and are able to select services that best suit their needs.

Those close to Nellie who knew her and shared her journey miss her tremendously. But they also see the beauty and happiness of her entire life story – because she lived her life to the end the way she chose.

As someone who works every day helping people to live and age with dignity and independence, success stories like Nellie’s offer very happy endings.

Do you know someone who could use some help to continue living life on their own terms? If so, LRCS HomeAssist is here to help.

Darlene Bolduc

LRCS Home Assist Coordinator

Darlene.bolduc@lrcs.org