Martha, 80, lives with her brother Tom, who is 84. Martha moved in when her husband died a year ago. She is still having difficulty coming to terms with her husband’s death – after all they were married for over 60 years! Living at Tom’s is difficult, although Martha is grateful for his company and for a free place to stay. Her savings are long gone and she has only her pension. Tom also has only his pension so it’s a help for him too. The house is in need of repair. It’s not well insulated and is heated with wood. “We’re not exactly spring chickens you know,” Martha thought, as she stoked the fire. A neighbour had helped them stack some wood but Martha was worried about how they’d manage if this winter was anything like the last one. Their family lived far away and most of their friends were either in long term care or had moved away. Both she and Tom hated the idea of moving to long term care or even renting a place in town – they loved being in the country.
How can Gifts from the Heart help? SIRCH could provide the following services:
1. Need a Hand workers could help split and pile wood, help with repairs or maintenance and other chores.
2. SIRCH could help Tom with an application for a renovation grant
3. Community Kitchen could provide free meals, if needed.
4. The Bereavement Program could help Martha with her grief.
5. SIRCH could refer them to other resources like the Heat Bank for wood, Food Bank if they need food, Community Care for social activities or rides to the doctor.
Help us help residents like Martha and Tom. Give to Gifts from the Heart!
Leave a Reply