Interfaith Caregivers

Independence

Independence is a gift, and it is a need during all stages of life – from teenagers rebelling against their parents to older adults struggling to keep it from slipping from their grasp. Often independence is taken for granted, until illness or older age deprives us of our freedom of autonomy.

Helen is only 67 and lives with multiple illnesses. She is physically limited from performing important weekly tasks such as grocery shopping and laundering. Helen resides in a second floor apartment in Concord, and just carrying a bag of groceries or a basket of laundry up one flight of stairs can deplete her energy for the entire day.

For the last two years, Friends Interfaith Caregiver volunteer, Fran has faithfully visited Helen every week. Fran helps Helen with her weekly chores including grocery shopping, laundry and even taking out the garbage.

Due to her illnesses, Helen is mostly homebound, so Fran’s visits are tremendously uplifting to her. During the last two years, Helen and Fran have developed a special friendship through their weekly visits. They have even created a tradition by treating themselves to an occasional afternoon on the town, enjoying lunch and a movie together.

“I don’t know what I would have done if Fran had not been there,” said Helen. Through Fran’s faithful service, she has been instrumental in helping Helen regain her independence, a gift that is too valuable to measure.