The nationwide shortage of in-home care workers has made it difficult for many of the people Springwell serves to get the help they need and deserve. It is frustrating for everyone when we have to wait for a worker to be found to provide services that are needed. It is our mission to help older adults as they face the challenges of aging, and we see the difference we make for people, like Arelis, when all the connections work.

Arelis, who is relatively new to receiving Springwell services, is retired after living and working in Massachusetts for more than 40 years, first as a nanny, and then as a bank teller. She has always loved Massachusetts: “Whenever I am away and return, I am so happy to be home.” Arelis lives with her son in West Newton and her daughter visits often from West Roxbury. At this point, Arelis, who lives with multiple sclerosis, has some challenges walking and moving around. While her son and daughter help her a great deal, they cannot be with her all the time. She feels fortunate that a neighbor told her about Springwell.

“Springwell arranged for homemaking and personal care services for me,” shares Arelis. My care manager is kind and understands me very well. The aide who helps me is sweet and makes an incredible difference in my life. She prepares my breakfast and lunch, helps me with bathing and laundry and other things I can’t do myself.”

When Arelis’ originally contacted Springwell, she was initially approved for and enrolled in the Home Care Basic program which enabled her to receive six hours of assistance weekly. Due to her condition, however, Arelis and her family hoped for more support. Her assessment specialist identified that she was likely eligible for the Choices program, and managed the process to enroll her in that higher level support program under which she now has fifteen hours of help weekly.  She is very grateful to Springwell for coordinating this help for her. “It allows my son to go to work without worrying about me and lets me continue living at home with him safely and with a very high quality of life.”

Every person we serve is facing unique circumstances, but for most of them, like Arelis’, their connection to Springwell results in solutions for the challenges they face and a better quality of life. While the challenges we face in accomplishing our mission are greater than ever, our commitment to help the people we serve get the help they need to age in the way they want has not waivered.