Your gift makes all the difference in our neighbors’ lives
Like most of America, our region is experiencing a growing elderly population and due to the pandemic, a struggling, disjointed healthcare system. Helios Care recognizes these trends and has strengthened our ability to meet our community’s needs. Providing critical support and resources for caregivers, as well as compassion, choices, and dignity for our patients, has never been more important.
Many of our aging neighbors want to grow old in the safe, comfortable environment of their own homes, but our rural geography severely limits the availability of in-home services.
While referrals to hospice are being made, often they are delayed or occur within just a few days of a patient’s death. It’s never easy to witness our loved ones in a state of decline, especially when our instinct is to “fix” everything. Recognizing that sometimes all families can do is be there for loved ones is a profound shift in perspective. Here is one family’s heart-wrenching and heart-warming story:
Jim Havener, owner of the Green Toad Bookstore, is a familiar face in Oneonta. Jim and his parents, Vivian and Don, were very close. As an only child, Jim spent much of his adult life helping them through various stages of aging during the 30 years of retirement in Florida. As Vivian and Don failed to thrive and approached the end of their lives, the physical distance between them began to take its toll.
When the pandemic hit and Don suffered a car accident, Jim knew he needed to move his parents back north to be with him and his wife. Jim desperately wanted to “fix” his parents’ ailments, to “fix” an unfixable situation, but he’d reached the limit of what he could do on his own.
“Helios Care gave me and my family a framework on how to approach this end of life. Your organization gave us comfort that there was someone who could answer medical questions, and someone who I could just call and they would listen to what is happening now, at this moment, and help out. They gave me peace of mind.” – Jim Havener
Jim’s choice to contact Helios Care is a testament to the value of being there when our community needs us. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but a brave, responsible step towards ensuring the well-being of our loved ones. Helios Care helped Jim shift from the mindset of “fixing” to “being there in love and support” for his parents. Our staff was available 24/7 to answer Jim’s questions and offer reassurance that he was doing the right the thing, every step of the way.
From feeling helpless to finding peace, Jim’s journey highlights the value of Helios Care’s resources and compassionate care teams. It’s a reminder that, even in the face of inevitable challenges, there are empowering ways to navigate the end of life with grace and support.
It’s heartening to know that your tax-deductible gift makes a difference for families in our community, like Jim’s. Your gift stays here and is used to support patients and their families and caregivers. Your support has an immediate impact and is a meaningful investment in the well-being of individuals who need it. We’re grateful for your support and the patients we are privileged to serve.
2023 Fall Appeal Letter
