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Matchmakers
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We are living longer. Well, that’s good...but it also means we are going to have ever more challenges in caring for the elderly. In Dallas, United Methodists are helping families wrestling with the challenge of getting loved ones the right care, in the right place. | ||
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FINDING GOOD HEALTHCARE FOR AGING PARENTS CAN BE A NIGHTMARE.
Ruth Robbins / Mary Lee’s Daughter-in-law: “We couldn’t leave because we didn’t know when they were going to show up, and they would leave in the middle of the day without telling anyone.”
AFTER A DISASTROUS NURSING HOME EXPERIENCE, AND SEVERAL HOME HEALTHCARE WORKERS THAT DIDN’T WORK OUT, EIGHTY-NINE-YEAR-OLD MARY LEE ROBBINS’ PRAYERS HAVE BEEN ANSWERED.
Barbara Swygert / Caregiver: “Gonna go in here and find a little lunch...”
SHE AND BARBARA SWYGERT NOW SPEND ALL DAY, EVERY DAY TOGETHER.
Thomas Q. Robbins / Mary Lee’s Son: “Barbara shows her not only care and concern, but shows her dignity.”
THE TWO WERE PAIRED THROUGH THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH’S “ELDER POWER” PROGRAM. IT’S DESIGNED TO MATCH UNSKILLED WORKERS WITH PEOPLE WHO NEED HOME CARE.
Barbara Swygert: “It is very fulfilling to be able to help someone and especially someone that is as sweet as she is, and I just enjoy being with her and doing whatever she needs me to do.”
ONE OF TEN CHILDREN, BARBARA HAS A NATURAL KNACK FOR CARING FOR OTHERS. SHE’S BEEN A GREAT SOURCE OF COMFORT TO MARY …EVEN HELPING HER DEAL WITH THE LOSS OF HER HUSBAND.
Barbara Swygert: “They were married 68 years, so it took a lot of getting used to.”
TOGETHER, BARBARA AND MARY HAVE A NEW BEGINNING.
Jean Chapman / Director, Elder Power: “You ask them and they say, ‘This is my ministry,’ and when they say that, they’ve got a job.”
IT’S ABOUT LIVING WELL THROUGHOUT LIFE - FOR THOSE BEING CARED FOR, AND THOSE WHO NEED A CHANCE TO CARE.