Monday, January 22, 2007
At the far Left is Trinidad, and left is Demetrio. Trini died some time ago (in November I think) but my own health has kept me from updating this blog. Demetrio was wonderful to her, especially in the last three years when she was bed-bound. These Photos were taken several years ago at a Thanksgiving Dinner provided by CCS. It was the last time I saw her in a wheelchair.
Marienella also died in Late October or early November. I don’t have a picture of her or her Husband Erlindo. Again this was a couple that took Loving care of each other.
Please forgive the lack of news, I’ve been in and out of hospitals, and Jacci has been in the States for two months visiting everyone (including me).
Marienella also died in Late October or early November. I don’t have a picture of her or her Husband Erlindo. Again this was a couple that took Loving care of each other.
Please forgive the lack of news, I’ve been in and out of hospitals, and Jacci has been in the States for two months visiting everyone (including me).
Sunday, January 22, 2006
This is Victoria; look for her story in the "Meet our Grandparents" Section of www.adopt-a-grandparent.org . 
One of the activities that the Abuelitos have is this updated version of musical chairs. Instead of walking around the chairs, they dance to Quechua music, and when the music stops, they have to find a chair, sit in it, and not break the baloon. It is a bit more difficult, but it means that no one gets shoved too badly.
Jenny talks with a "focus group"
I got back to the program this week, and was able to view the Abuelitos being asked what they would like to see happen in the program, what they liked and didn't like, what could be improved...This was the first time their comments would be directly used in the planning session.
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Many thanks go to Dr. Don Goldenberg (left ack), His wife Patty (left middle), Jannine (front) and the rest of his staff. They have contributed Comany samples of drugs for 3 years now. Many of the drugs they contribute could not be purchased by the abuelitos, but they need them. In this way, Dr. Don and his staff are making a difference. My hope is to get more MDs to donate samples, and I am asking all of those I see.
visit www.adopt-a-grandparent.org
Thursday, April 07, 2005
Thursday, March 17, 2005
And now for something completely different...
I've been away from this log, and infact everything since my leg broke on March 5, 2005. I'm now in enforced rest (what else can I do?) for the next few months, and so will have to rely on whatever photos and news is sent to me. There are some pictures of me circulating around, but as I have no cast, they are unremarkable.
I have been spending the last 12 days thinking about the difference in care that I'm getting, and what is available for the Abuelitos. Without going into details, the care is as different as you can imagine. I only had to wait for 28 hours for my bone to be set and a pin inserted. I know of abueltitos with breaks who have had to wait 5-6 days, and some who were just sent home. I recall, specifically, meeting Barbara for the first time, in her home, on the very first home visit. She had her foot in a sling from the ceiling, and I thought then that she would never walk on that broken foot again. It's a tribute to the strength of her genetic makup that Barbara not only walks, but dances on that foot, 6 years later, with no thanks to the local hospital who just sent her home with no treatment.
Her time at home was a bit different as well. Her family (a son and Daughter-in-law) took turns taking care of her, their children and, oh yes, trying to find and do work. I've been lucky enough to be able to hire a nurse, who is also my neighbor, so she gets me set up, then goes and fixes her daughter lunch after school, comes back to help me at night, and then has time the next morning for her daughter before coming over to me. I get almost 24 hour care, she gets a job, and gets time with her daughter. Everyone wins.
But most of the abueltios would be unable to pay a nurse. Barbara was one of the lucky ones whose children looked after her, others have no children or ar estranged from those they have, or even have children who have abused and deserted them.
Los Martinctios provides for minimal care with a fill time nurse, and voluntary doctors, but cannot provide the personal care that many of the seniors need.
I have been spending the last 12 days thinking about the difference in care that I'm getting, and what is available for the Abuelitos. Without going into details, the care is as different as you can imagine. I only had to wait for 28 hours for my bone to be set and a pin inserted. I know of abueltitos with breaks who have had to wait 5-6 days, and some who were just sent home. I recall, specifically, meeting Barbara for the first time, in her home, on the very first home visit. She had her foot in a sling from the ceiling, and I thought then that she would never walk on that broken foot again. It's a tribute to the strength of her genetic makup that Barbara not only walks, but dances on that foot, 6 years later, with no thanks to the local hospital who just sent her home with no treatment.
Her time at home was a bit different as well. Her family (a son and Daughter-in-law) took turns taking care of her, their children and, oh yes, trying to find and do work. I've been lucky enough to be able to hire a nurse, who is also my neighbor, so she gets me set up, then goes and fixes her daughter lunch after school, comes back to help me at night, and then has time the next morning for her daughter before coming over to me. I get almost 24 hour care, she gets a job, and gets time with her daughter. Everyone wins.
But most of the abueltios would be unable to pay a nurse. Barbara was one of the lucky ones whose children looked after her, others have no children or ar estranged from those they have, or even have children who have abused and deserted them.
Los Martinctios provides for minimal care with a fill time nurse, and voluntary doctors, but cannot provide the personal care that many of the seniors need.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Better Vision for Better Health
This past week, a group of volunteer optical technicians, including an optometrist, came to Oscar Romero to give vision tests and write prescriptions for glasses. Below you will see how they and the abuelitos reacted. Unfortunately, only those who already wear glasses or are noticibly failing could be tested. If they can find, beg, borrow or steal S/.20 (twenty nuevo soles) they will be able to get new glasses from the prescriptions.
Of course, the problem is...Where do they each find S/.20? That's the equivalent of $6.20
Please consider clicking on the Donate Now button on the site, and giving $10.00 to cover the electronic payment fee and the cost of a new pair of glasses! If you wish to donate more, and have the donation used specifically for glasses, please indicate that when you donate.
Of course, the problem is...Where do they each find S/.20? That's the equivalent of $6.20
Please consider clicking on the Donate Now button on the site, and giving $10.00 to cover the electronic payment fee and the cost of a new pair of glasses! If you wish to donate more, and have the donation used specifically for glasses, please indicate that when you donate.
Sunday, February 27, 2005
The completion (?) of the Mural.
Lydia adds her name to the wall, imortalzing her painting skills.
visit www.adopt-a-grandparent.org
Monday, February 14, 2005
Elaine Angstman presents a "big" check
Elaine Angstman, a director of Adopt a Grandparent (Adopta Un Abueltios), Inc. gives Tonny a check for $1000.00 dollars. Elaine has actually raised a total of $1500.00 since last March when she was last here. A tireless worker for Adopt a Grandparent, Elaine is also involved with an adopted child in Bolivia, her church, her garden, her art and her family, not necessarily in that order.
visit www.adopt-a-grandparent.org
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