Charitable Care Helps 87-Year-Old Violet Regain Her Independence
The COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on 87-year-old Violet’s health and mobility. However, with charitable care from VNS Health, she was able to regain not only her ability to move but also her independence.
Violet* always had a passion for helping others. As the matriarch of a family of 10 children, she spent her life caring for her loved ones. For most of her life, she lived in Jamaica, where she was known for being the one to help those in need.
But when COVID struck, it was finally time for the 87-year-old to let someone help her instead.
Losing — and Regaining — Her Mobility
Violet’s daughter Denise watched in distress as her mother withered under the strain of the pandemic lockdowns and struggled with weak vision. Seeing her mother become essentially immobile, Denise set out to get her mother the help she needed.
That’s when Denise turned to VNS Health. Through the organization’s charitable care program, Violet began receiving services to get her back on her feet.
VNS Health physical therapist Bernard worked with Violet to help her regain her strength and mobility. She practiced walking with a cane, and he helped her learn how to navigate the stairs to the second floor of her home. These were important steps toward restoring her independence.
By giving her mobility, we’re giving her that second chance.
— Bernard, VNS Health physical therapist
Bernard didn’t let Violet’s care stop with physical therapy. He realized that she had additional needs, and he enlisted help from other VNS Health experts. He requested a home health aide from VNS Health Personal Care, who came to assist Violet with her activities of daily living, as well as a social worker, who helped Violet’s family gain access to long-term services like Medicaid.
Charitable Care at VNS Health
Violet’s care was made possible by VNS Health’s charitable care and community benefit programs. These programs allow tens of thousands of New Yorkers access to care that they may not have received otherwise.
The incredible generosity of our donors has helped to fund:
- Behavioral and mental health care
- Programs for children and families
- Outreach and programs for the aging and underserved
- Care for the under- and uninsured
- The Center for Home Care Policy and Research at VNS Health
- Hospice care and special programs
- Training and fellowships
Without VNS Health charitable care, families like Violet’s might not be where they are today. “Bernard did a great job of getting my mother moving around in such a short period of time,” said Denise.
“When Denise sees her mother walking from the bedroom to the stairs, managing the stairs, it gives the family hope that Violet will get back to how she was in Jamaica — a happy and independent person,” says Bernard.
*Patient and family names have been changed to protect privacy.
Your donation can help people like Violet receive the care they need and deserve.
For more information about giving, contact our Development team at 1-212-609-1525 or [email protected].
