Vol. 35, No

LIFE FOR CARMELITA

Thanks to You!

For Carmelita and hundreds like her, an Adult Day Health Center (ADH) can be a lifeline for both participants and caregivers. Carmelita, now 91, has been attending LIFE’s Broken Arrow Adult Day Center since 2012.

Recently Renee, Carmelita’s niece and caregiver, shared how the COVID-19 pandemic affected her aunt when the center had to temporarily close, and Carmelita could no longer participate.

“Without Adult Day, Carmelita was quickly declining, and I know she didn’t quite understand. She kept saying that she missed her friends. I reassured her that the Center would be able to reopen and asked her to hang in there a little longer,” Renee said.

Renee herself is a retired school teacher of 30-plus years, so staying positive comes easily to her – as does her enthusiasm and caring spirit. Now retired, she devotes her time to helping hearing-impaired infants and children. She’s able to do this because during normal times Carmelita attends ADH Monday thru Friday, and Renee is home with her on the weekends.

For participants and caregivers, life really can and does come full circle.

“When I got the call letting me know Carmelita could return to Adult Day, she was so thrilled.” Renee laughed as she remembered Carmelita’s exact words: “I will wear a mask every day and leave it on all day.”

Renee said it was as though Carmilita’s life and sense of purpose had been given back to her.

“Carmelita was back in her element,” she said. "Joking and teasing with her friends and with staff. She feels like she belongs there and is eager to share stories at the end of the day. It’s amazing. A wonderful place that feels like home.”

In a year unlike any other, please consider a gift to help seniors like Carmelita. LIFE Senior Services is on track to serve nearly 30,000 seniors and caregivers this year. For example, your gift of $77 helps provide one day of Adult Day Health for a senior adult. This day represents friendships and conversation for a senior, as well as respite for a caregiver.

We are working hard to prevent isolation, loneliness and the spread of this terrible virus. Your generosity makes it possible.

SUPPORT A WONDERFUL LIFE

LIFE Senior Services is the trusted resource for aging adults and their families. Together, we are able to fulfill our mission to promote and preserve independence for seniors – Today. Tomorrow. Always.

Now through December 31, 2020, your new and increased donation to LIFE Senior Services will be matched dollar for dollar thanks to a generous matching grant from the George Kaiser Family Foundation.

Please use the enclosed donation envelope in this issue of LIFE’s Vintage Newsmagazine to send your gift today. You may give online at www.LIFEseniorservices.org or call (918) 664-9000, ext. 1205.