Edith’s Story

July 17, 2015

Pu9364137231_8fa2b9f53a_btting on clothes, cooking a meal for your family, or walking hand-in-hand with your loved one probably seem like everyday routines for many of us. For Edith and her husband, these things were no longer a possibility after they both suffered major strokes. Edith’s stroke left her completely paralyzed on her right side and robbed her of her speech. Sadly, her husband’s condition only worsened and he passed away just eight months after his stroke.

The new challenge of finding the best care for Edith rested on the shoulders of her daughter who had a full-time job and a family of her own to tend to. That’s when Edith’s daughter discovered Ajax Turner Senior Citizens Center and enrolled her mother into the Senior Circle of Friends.

Although she had a hard time expressing herself, the center’s staff noticed right away that Edith was extremely depressed and heartbroken. She had lost the love of her life and could no longer care for herself. She never wanted to participate in any activities and napped most of the day.

There were many obstacles for Edith and the staff to overcome. Mobility and the ability to communicate effectively were her greatest needs, so the staff and a speech therapist worked with her on a regular basis.

In just a short amount of time, Edith began to say her family members’ names, use familiar words, and participate more in group activities. Gradually, with the constant love and support of her family and the patience and encouragement of the staff and volunteers, Edith began to take part in life as she had done prior to her stroke.

The staff even discovered that Edith had a special talent for basket weaving, flower arranging, and cooking!

With your contributions to United Way of the Greater Clarksville Region, you help fund programs like Senior Circle of Friends and create solutions to some of the greatest needs surrounding our local individuals and families. Thank you for being a part of the positive changes taking place in our community. LIVE UNITED!

To create change like this, call our office at 931-647-4291.