Betty’s* story is one I love to share… As her physical limitations grew it became more difficult for her to stay on top of the cleaning and de-cluttering in her apartment; hanging clothes in the closet became impossible as she could no longer reach that height. At some point Betty refused to let anyone visit fearing that eviction and possible institutionalization might result.
But then, Irene Zola of L.i.L.Y (Lifeforce in Later Years) came into her life and everything changed. Irene never really understood the "nursing home scene" until her elderly mother fell and required a stay in a nearby home. When her mother died several months later, Irene knew she had to do something. In just her small Manhattan neighborhood, government statistics showed 1100 seniors, many, like Betty, living alone. Before long, Irene found others who shared her frustration about eldercare and L.i.L.Y.- Lifeforce in Later Years was founded.
After meeting Irene we knew this was a program we wanted to support. With our funds, professional help thoroughly cleaned Betty’s apartment and cleared large amounts of accumulated items, and coat racks were purchased to allow her to store her clothes where she could comfortably reach them. Shortly after, Irene reported that Betty was inviting neighbors in to share a cup of tea…a victory, for sure.
In addition, the Good People Fund’s matching grant, allowed Irene to reach out to more elders, and attract more volunteers and new funders to her work.
With people living longer and an infrastructure totally unprepared for that reality, Irene’s intergenerational volunteers are running errands, stopping for a cup of tea and a chat (see the smiles in this picture), taking walks, finding other resources to help solve problems…just being there. What a wonderful model they have built. Our government can continue to argue: Medicare-yes? Medicare-no?, but Irene Zola’s dedicated volunteers will make a difference and we are happy to be part of it all.
*a pseudonym
