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Hugs
and humor are 86-year-old Leona's stock in trade, and she's generous with
both. Stepping out or staying in, Leona has help from Curative.
Three
days a week, Leona visits Curative's Senior Care Center, where she finds
companionship, card games, and an occasional pick-up game of baseball. A
passionate baseball fan, Leona and her son Steve laugh as they remember a
t-ball game held at the Center to celebrate the Brewers' opening day.
"I hit the ball and ran to first base, but they got me out,"
Leona recounts. Steve interjects, "You were the only good
hitter on the team."
"There
are days I don't feel good and don't feel like going to the Center,"
Leona says, "but when I get there, I'm happy. That's what they do for
me."
Leona's
daughter, Mary Ann, says, "I think that Curative is the most
wonderful thing that's happened to our family and my mother. It's given
her a purpose, and they love her and give her the attention that her
family can't every day."
Awhile
back, the Curative staff noticed that Leona had lost her spunk. Her
mobility limited by arthritis, Leona's morning routine was exhausting her.
"We found out she was getting up at 4 a.m. to be ready for the van at
8," says Jennifer, Curative's Senior Services supervisor.
"That's when we offered to have someone help her at home."
Those
services helped get Leona back in the game. Now Leona sleeps until Penny,
a Curative home care aide, awakens her at 7 a.m. By 8 a.m. Leona is ready
to leave for the Senior Care Center. "Penny showers me, dresses me,
makes my breakfast and makes sure I get my medication," Leona says.
"Penny also does all my cleaning and laundry, and she's always
cheerful. I get wonderful care from Curative."
Leona
and her family agree that she would not be able to live on her own without
Curative. "It really is a comfort for us kids to know Mom's got all
those services from Curative," Steve says. "We all help, but she
really needs services over and beyond what she's getting from us."
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