1. Dottie
I love to cook, but my kids are concerned because I have left the stove on
once or twice.
2. I am a widow living alone and I cherish my independence. I love to cook
and have always taken great pride in my cooking abilities and in putting
delicious food on the table for my family to enjoy.
3. I have been watching the cooking channel and want to try making new
recipes, so I can continue sharing my love for food with my kids and
friends.
4. Dr. Joe
Dr. Joe would like to keep engaged and utilize his knowledge and skills to
contribute to his community.
5. Dr. Joe is an accomplished and renowned scientist. Five years ago, he was
diagnosed with Alzheimer's and his wife, Betty, became his caregiver.
6. After Betty passed away a few months ago, Dr. Joe moved into a memory
care community, but he is having a bit of difficulty adjusting to his new
home. During his career he managed complex projects and used
computers to evaluate the data he gathered.
7. Bob & Shirley
Many bills pile up and it's difficult to organize and track Medicare and
insurance correspondence.
8. We have been married for 51 years. I take medications for several chronic
conditions and Bob had hip surgery a few months ago.
9. We would like to spend more time doing the things we like with our grandkids and
friends, but find that a lot of our time is now taken by what seems to be a
mountain of paperwork and medical bills! Our daughter gave us a smart-phone
last year, but we are still trying to figure out how to use all it's features!
10. Ron & Judith
My parents have said they want to be more active, but know they need to
be mindful of getting hurt.
11. My parents enjoy playing an occasional round of golf and daily walks in
the park until recently.
12. They love their home and neighborhood, but have become increasingly
more cautious after a fellow golfer and neighbor, Larry, fell and moved
into a nursing home to recover from his injuries.
13. Mary
Mary's taste buds and sense of smell are not what they used to be. As a
dedicated nurse, Mary always made sure to discuss the importance of a
nutritious and healthy diet with her patients.
14. Lately, she has begun to become a bit forgetful and her trips to the store
have become less frequent.
15. Her family has noticed spoiled food in the fridge, which she doesn't want
to throw away because she doesn't want to be wasteful. They are worried
she will get sick from eating spoiled food.
16. Bill
I like to go outside and smell the flowers and breathe fresh air.
As a young man, I hiked, swam and played baseball. In middle age, I ran my
first marathon and loved it.
17. When I retired, I took up gardening and won a blue ribbon at the State Fair
for my tomatoes! When my health started to decline a few years ago, I
took my kids' advice and moved into a nursing home.
18. It's a nice place; the staff is caring and courteous. I'd like to continue to
enjoy all the outdoor activities in the place I now call home, without my
kids or the staff worrying about me.
19. Juan & Raymond
My partner has declining health and cognition and I am trapped and afraid
sometimes.
20. Raymond and I have been together for 42 years. We traveled extensively
and had a very active social life. Over the past 3 years, Raymond's health
has declined significantly and he requires constant care.
21. I love him dearly, but I often feel trapped and have become increasingly
fearful of the responsibility and loneliness. It often feels as though the
weight of the world is on my shoulders.
22. Jane
My mother has recently moved to a memory care community near our
home.
23. I go to see her daily and feel it's important for my children to visit her as
often as possible. To gain access, however, we ring a bell that is calibrated
to be heard by CNA's at the other side of the building.
24. The sound is jarring to the residents. In addition to mother being agitated
when we arrive, the kids are frightened by seeing the distress of their
grandma and the other residents.
26. I recently moved in to a lovely skilled nursing home due to a decline in my
physical condition. I know that I need the assistance, but feel so isolated.
27. I'm surrounded with other residents who aren’t engaged. While I'm
physically unable to participate in many activities, my mind is sharp and I
feel I have so much more to contribute.
28. Jack
I'm a long-distance runner. I still love to compete, but my family is concerned about
my safety after experiencing shortness of breath one day.
29. I need something that will help me return to championship form while reassuring
my wellbeing and safety.
31. Old friends sometimes are uncertain how to act around him. Since the
onset of the disease, our social life has changed dramatically. I find that
fewer friends come around.
32. I wish there was a way that I could make them more comfortable and
make sure that Art is included in our social activities.
33. Louise
My deafness makes it challenging sometimes to socialize with people I
don't know well. I love people and want to do things and meet new
people.
34. Last year, I got hearing aids and boy were they expensive! I tried wearing
them, but they've never been comfortable--they irritate my ears and they
pick up a lot of background noise.
35. I would love to have something that would allow me to be better
company to my friends.
46. She would love to join a church choir and make a connection with others
through song. Joan's husband has passed away, and many members of her
community have moved.
47. She lives independently by taking buses and walking to neighborhood
shops. The city has changed the bus route, and her church is too far to
walk.
48. Maria
Maria who has dementia and lives in a special "Memory Care"
community.
49. Maria was a Buddhist nun for most of her life. Maria has expressed to me
that she wishes to connect to others in a spiritual sense.
50. We don't have any Buddhists here, but I think she would benefit from
connections with others from her same spiritual tradition.
51. William
I want to contribute to my faith community.
I was a lay minister at my church and found the work to be very rewarding.
53. I would love to continue making this contribution to my community, but I
can't physically get around well anymore. How can I engage and
contribute my gifts even with physical limitations.
