The Catholic Health LIFE Center on the Villa Maria College campus has connected me to so many wonderful friends and caregivers.
But during the COVID-19 pandemic, the LIFE Center became my lifeline.
I have lived on my own in senior housing for several years. Last fall I began attending the LIFE program, and as an active and social person, I love it! Two days a week they would pick me up and bring me to the center where we enjoy all kinds of activities – exercise programs, crafts, painting, entertainment and so much more. Plus, my doctor appointments, medications, speech therapy and other health issues were being managed for me.
Then the pandemic hit. When I heard the center would have to temporarily close because of COVID-19, I was heartbroken. For older adults like me, the thought of being alone and isolated during the shutdown was distressing. My son and grandchildren live out of the area. The coronavirus meant they could not visit me.
I should have known the good people at the LIFE Center would look out for me. Cathy Wetzler, the recreation coordinator at the center called me right away, reassuring me that they would help. In the weeks ahead, Cathy and other staff members would call or FaceTime a couple of times a day to check in on me. They arranged for social groups to talk over the phone so I could keep in touch with my friends from the LIFE Center. I was even able to continue my speech therapy from my home. Such a godsend.
Catholic Health Home Services and the LIFE Center have been more important than ever for older adults like me during this pandemic. I don’t know how I would have managed without them.
That is why I am sharing my story with you, and am asking you to please support the Continuing Care Foundation with a donation today. In this season of giving, your donation of any amount will help to serve even more Western New Yorkers as they live their life to the fullest.
With your help, my friends at Catholic Health will be ready for whatever tomorrow brings.
With my sincerest thanks,
Rosemarie Montreuil
