Seniors Helping Seniors is an organization that spans the globe, and has 260 locations. The organization hires able bodied mature adults to take the role of care giver for seniors who need assistance. We met with Mike Walters, with Seniors Helping Seniors, and one of his clients, Charles and Betty Duckworth to see what kind of impact this organization is making in Flagler County.
Mike Walters, and Marilyn from Seniors Helping Seniors pictured behind, with Betty and Charles Duckworth in the front at the Duckworth residence.
Betty spoke, sharing how Seniors Helping Seniors has improved their quality of life, “Well, it has made my life a lot better. First we was with Sandcastle, that’s another agency, and some days they would call and I’d have no one; and then some days a lot of the caregivers would come. They did not have me no help for almost two weeks, I had nobody to help me. So I reached out like I’d had enough, and I prayed and asked God, I said, God help me to be able to get help. So that’s when I reached out to the VA, and that’s when they recommended me seniors help and seniors. Probably about a week, or maybe wasn’t even a week. I think it was on a Friday, Melissa came, on Friday, I think, and by Monday, we had help. They were on board.”
Charles is a Vietnam Army Veteran who is currently suffering from Parkinson disease. Betty and Charles have been together for 53 years, and both of them explained that Seniors Helping Seniors has made an incredible impact in their lives, providing care and compassion during a time when they needed it most.
Marilyn, their caregiver, spoke up about how she felt compelled to rejoin the workforce to help out other seniors. “When I moved here, our neighbor needed help, and she was a little less enjoyable. Kind of a stubborn little lady, but I found enjoyment in that, too. Just being able to do what I can could for her. And so when I went past Alyssa’s place, which I usually walk every day, I kept on seeing this sign, Seniors Helping Seniors, and I thought, I just felt this nudge, that I should probably do this. I have a lot of time on my hands, and I just feel like it’s maybe time to give back a little bit. I feel pretty blessed with health and everything like that. And so I was lucky enough to find these two, and I feel blessed, they’re just the greatest. When he could be angry, maybe with the hand he’s been dealt. He’s awesome, he does as much as he can for himself and maintains a sense of humor. And Betty is the best caregiver there is, so it’s a good match.”
Mike explained their partnership with the VA, and how that is helping to provide care to veterans in the area that are often looking for help. Seniors Helping Seniors works with any one from any background veteran or not, but this partnership has helped them reach even more seniors who need assistance.
“This is a calling to most of our carers. It’s not just the job, we do pay them, it’s a w-2 position, but I am telling you that‘s way down on the list, way down the list. And that makes all the difference,” Mike explained after speaking about the incredible compassion their caregivers provide to clients.
My husband is a veteran and diabetic. I was a teacher. We are on a fixed income. No family. Getting difficult to keep this house cleaned. I can’t cook anymore. Seriously, could use a bit of help.
Thank you.
Visit our site SeniorsHelpingSeniors.com for more information, a list of services, request help and/or apply to be a caregiver. You’re also always welcome to call us directly at 386.985.2292. Hope that helps.
I’m a senior living on a fixed income. Lost my Sunday Jazz gig at the Cue Note when COVID hit and it never recovered. My 2014 Ford Escape just blew the transmission and I am without any mode of transportation.
Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
God Bless😇