A Helping Hand - Taking the Loneliness Out of Growing Older

When we started working with Cleo Dupree, she was all alone,” says Laura Henrichs, Family Resource Home Care’s staffing supervisor. “She had a good network of friends to help with housework, shopping, appointments, and personal care, but she was burning them all out.”

“I’m feisty,” says Cleo.

Cleo grew up in Iowa, then came to Seattle with her parents after World War II. She married Homer Dupree, and their marriage lasted over twenty-five years. She lost three children as infants. “Later,” she says, “I lost my mom, dad, and husband all in the same year.”

“When we first started with her,” says Laura, “we used to get calls all the time from people worried about her. Now things have really smoothed out. We’ve been able to provide Cleo with some excellent caregivers, who help her with personal care, prepare meals, clean her condo, get her to appointments, and help her stay oriented.”

“I can’t do it by myself,” Cleo sighs. “I guess I really need the help.”