A Home For Evelyn
On May 19th, I went on an amazing date. She was the oldest person I had ever been on a date with. She was 79. I stopped to get something to eat while on my way to pick up some friends at the airport. As I waited to order, I couldn't help but hear a meek voice say to the cashier, "I lost Reggie this week. We won't be coming in together anymore." I looked over to see where this voice was coming from to find a small fragile elderly lady walking away from the cashier to eat alone. I asked the cashier who she had lost and found out it was the man she had been with for over 30 years. After hearing about her loss and seeing her eating by herself, I couldn't let her be alone. So, I asked her to be my date.
My date, Evelyn told me her life story about how she worked as a school teacher, a librarian, at a radio station before retiring and how she met Reggie who she had been dating for over 30 years. Evelyn explained how Reggie loved hamburgers from Burger King and Wendy's. Once a week they would go on a date to one of these two places.
Why am I telling this story? Well, Evelyn has no one. No next of kin, children or relatives. Imagine being at that age and completely alone. At the end of June, Evelyn has to move and planned on hiring day laborers off the street to help her. Now, I wouldn't dare have my grandma alone with random strangers off the street to help her move. So, If you have a truck or want to help a cute old lady move her belongings in the next couple of weeks, please let me know. Also, I know there are resources for the elderly that are available. If you know of how to find low income senior housing or assistance please let me know.
Update to the story above: I am setting this fund up to purchase or have donated
Evelyn some furniture for her new place:
A bed set
Breakfast Nook
Couch
Coffee Table
Small TV stand
TV
Kitchen Appliances
Senior Assisting Items:
Walker
Reach assist Items
Bathroom grips
Medical Insurance:
She does have Medicare but it would be amazing to have emergency funds set aside for anything that might happen later. Her Medicare supports some of her medical needs but I know there are things that she has neglected such as dental and supplemental insurance.
Make Over for Evelyn:
I'd like to have her go to a salon and day spa for a day to get pampered. Then later that evening taking Evelyn out to dinner with friends and volunteers.
Update: 05/31/2016 Date#2
I took this past Tuesday off and helped Evelyn look for a new home. I visited her apartment to see what she has and doesnt have. She doesn't have much of anything and much of it is placed in large plastic bins.
We visited Washoe County Senior Services on 9th Street. When I tried signing her up for social services, I was told that since I was acting as her advocate and that since she was fairly mobile that she could not get a social worker. I tried explaining that I live in Incline and that I can't always be there for her, but was still told that she did not qualify for a social worker. While I was there, she was able to get signed up for discounted taxi rides and we will be coming back later for the free health counseling they offer.
During our search for a new place, It was a bit disappointing to see that much of the senior housing in the Reno/Sparks area is located near or around high crime neighborhoods or had wait times of up to 2 years to get into.
After searching through the day, we found that Vintage Hills in Northwest Reno had units coming available, is in a nice area and also very nicely kept. If you'd like to help her move. we are planning on moving her on the weekend of the 25th and 26th.
I also introduced her to the salad bar at Whole Foods and she's now a huge fan.
Let me know if you can help. Thanks!!!!
Update: 06/04/2016 Date#3
I went to visit Evelyn today since she called me during the past week in regards to moving and also had mentioned she has taken a couple of falls. Thankfully, she didn't hurt herself too bad and just had a couple of bruises on the arm she fell on. However, she has an exuberance that makes me understand the world a little differently. Though she was very friendly and warm when we first met, she has a different air to her now. I think knowing she doesn't have to do this alone and has someone there for her has made her even more vibrant.
Thank you again for your support!!!!