Lily creates her own jewelry by hand, stringing tiny beads together into beautiful necklaces, bracelets and earrings. But, at 82‐years‐old, Lily needs help managing her day‐to‐day life. She is a stroke victim, can no longer drive, and depends on a wheelchair to get around. If not for Patsy—and United Way, Lily wouldn’t be able to maintain her independence.
Patsy is a volunteer Senior Companion, an older adult who helps other seniors with daily tasks and the assistance they need to continue living independently in their homes. Patsy was matched with Lily about two years ago through a United Way program, and in the time since, has not only become a helper Lily relies on, but also a comfort, a confidante and Lily’s best friend.
“We have so much understanding and respect for each other,” Patsy says. “Patsy and I are a lot alike,” Lily adds. “I am very grateful to have found her.”
Patsy goes to Lily’s home nearly every day. She helps Lily around the house, and drives her wherever she needs to go, from doctor appointments to the grocery store. But it’s not just the assistance with daily life that Lily appreciates; the companionship, friendship and knowledge that she can count on Patsy are what Lily is most grateful for.
“She is always there for me,” Lily says of Patsy. “It’s comforting to know she looks after me. It allows someone like me to be independent.”
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