An avid reader with a fondness for white chocolate mocha frappuccinos, Joan misses library lectures and trips to the grocery store. But weekly deliveries from her ElderHelp grocery shopper stock her pantry and brighten her spirit. “I’ve been cooking a lot more than I used to” shares Joan, “and I’ve added flowers to my shopping list for Frank. They brighten my tiny apartment and I enjoy snipping the ends and refreshing the water. It gives me something to do.”
At 87, Joan has been an ElderHelp client for just over 5 years. With a zest for learning, she’s always a “yes” when invited to ElderHelp’s gatherings. “The Shakespeare lecture was one of my favorites,” she reflects, “but the Padres game was fun too!” Joan’s life this past year has been dramatically different. “I used to enjoy walking through the grocery store with my volunteer, choosing my own vegetables, and just seeing everyone there. Now, I’m pretty much stuckhere.” But Joan has a positive outlook. It’s carried her through hard times before, and continues to shine through her bright blue eyes. She enjoys occasional visits from her landlord’s golden retriever and writing thank-you notes to those helping her stay safe. “You realize you can get through it—even if it’s not fun,” she shares. “All of you at ElderHelp are making that happen for me and for a lot of people. I just can’t thank you enough.”