Greetings Friends!

Given the continuing drumbeat of tough and depressing news about the pandemic and its effects on the economy, society at large, and individuals and families, I find myself working harder than ever to stay focused on what we can do to make a difference.  My actions and thoughts have been directed towards the forgotten but very vulnerable members of our society who were already having a tough time before Covid, but now are increasingly desperate.  These are the elderly, often with dementia, and with limited resources.

Those of you who know me well know that I am driven to act in service of others.  I’m happy to report that the little nonprofit charitable organization I started this year is making a difference.  The Amazing Care Charitable Foundation has gratefully received a financial boost from grants from the California Healthcare Foundation and the Walter and Elise Haas Fund and from many kind-hearted friends, some of whom are reading this newsletter.  Thus far, the Foundation has provided over 1,400 care giving hours and have subsidized over 100 days of day care for socially isolated adults.

Statistics are interesting, but lack soul and heart, so I thought I would quote from the letters I received from the social workers who identified patients for us to support. The names have been changed.

“Katrina is 57 years-old, but already quite advanced in the progression of her Alzheimer’s disease. She lives with her 80-year-old mother Sonya who is her sole caregiver and herself showing signs of extreme stress (or perhaps even mild dementia). They both live in a mobile home on a relatively low income. On two occasions in the past year, Katrina has been admitted to the Senior Behavioral Health Unit because her mom often lacks the skills (or strength) to re-direct her. Katrina can no longer attend our Day Care Center.   Sonya’s fellow support group members are extremely worried about the physical and emotional toll that caregiving for her daughter is taking. A home health professional who could provide Sonya with relief from caregiving, and perhaps some techniques for re-directing Ingrid, would be life changing.

Marjorie is the wife and primary caregiver for her husband Walter (77) who was attending Adult Day Care with his VA benefits. Since the Adult Day Care Center had to temporarily suspend services due to Covid, the loss of routine triggered a significant decline in Walter that is making caregiving increasingly challenging for Marjorie.  Walter now has frequent incontinence issues, needs a walker to ambulate, refuses to use his CPAP, and is increasingly confused. Marjorie is overwhelmed by the thought of managing Walter’s care by herself and has very little family/social support. She has no financial resources to pay for home care and the VA has no benefits to offer. Marjorie is in true need of help to bathe, manage incontinence and provide supervision/engagement for Walter.”

The Foundation provided support to Katrina, Sonya, Marjorie and Walter along with others.  I realize that there are many more who need help, and rather than be overwhelmed by the magnitude of need, I am focused on doing the best we can with what resources we have available.  I thank those of you have helped the Foundation with donations.  And if you are interested in helping us help more individuals like Katrina, Sonya, Marjorie and Walter, then I invite you to visit our website and if you are moved to do so, to donate.  Here’s a link:  https://amazingcarefoundation.org/

All my best,

Cora