A Guiding Light: How House Calls Brings Comfort to Ms. Rubena Jones.
The sun peeks through the curtains of Ms. Jones’s cozy home in Brooklyn as the sounds of a new day begin. Though she cannot see the morning light, she can hear the familiar hum of her caregiver bustling about, preparing breakfast. For over a decade, HouseCalls has been a pillar of support for Mrs. Rubena, a 74-year-old woman from Jamaica who has been living with blindness and arthritis. With the compassionate care of her home health aides, Rosemarie McDonald and Thecia Nelson, she continues to lead a life filled with dignity and warmth.
Mrs. Rubena’s health struggles began in 2007 when she was diagnosed with arthritis. Over time, the condition worsened, bringing with it pain in her lower back, hips, and feet, making mobility difficult. However, the most significant challenge came when she was diagnosed with glaucoma and cataracts. Despite treatment, her vision deteriorated, and she eventually lost her sight. Living alone in Brooklyn since 2009, Mrs. Rubena faced increasing difficulties in her daily routine. Simple tasks such as cooking, moving around the house, or even taking her medications became overwhelming. It was in 2012 that she was introduced to HouseCalls, a service that would become her lifeline.
The role of HouseCalls in her daily life
HouseCalls provides 24-hour live-in assistance for Mrs. Rubena, ensuring that she never has to face her challenges alone. Her caregivers, Rosemarie and Thecia, are more than just aides; they are family. They help her with every aspect of her day, from preparing meals and giving her medications to accompanying her to church and medical appointments.
“HouseCalls people are honest,” Mrs. Rubena says, her voice filled with gratitude. “They know what they’re doing, and they take good care of me.”
Each morning, her caregivers assist her in getting ready for the day. They prepare meals that remind her of home—flavorful oxtail, fish, chicken, and saltfish—bringing her comfort through familiar tastes and smells. When the weather permits, they take her for short walks or accompany her across the street for a breath of fresh air. During the colder months, when going outside is difficult, they engage her in conversations and keep her spirits high.
Medication and Health Management
Managing medications can be a daunting task for anyone, but for someone with vision impairment, it becomes even more challenging. Thanks to HouseCalls, Ms. Jones never has to worry about missing a dose. Her caregivers ensure she receives her eye drops twice daily, as well as her essential medications for arthritis, high blood pressure, and diabetes.
“They make sure I have my medicine at the right time,” she says. “And if I need anything from the pharmacy, they go and get it for me.”
The Gift of Companionship
Beyond physical care, the presence of her caregivers provides her with much-needed emotional support. Having lived alone for years, Ms. Jones cherishes the conversations and laughter they share. Whether it’s discussing old memories, watching cooking shows together, or attending church services, their companionship makes a world of difference.
Church remains a cornerstone of her life. Despite her condition, she continues to attend services whenever possible, with her caregivers ensuring she gets there safely.
“I don’t know much about sports or other things,” she laughs, “but I know my church. It keeps me strong.”
A Message of Gratitude and Faith
For Ms. Jones, faith plays a crucial role in her journey. She often expresses her gratitude not just for her caregivers but also for the divine guidance that she believes has kept her strong. “Love one another,” she says. “Without love in our hearts, we are going nowhere. Ask God for peace, for strength, and for guidance.”
Her message is simple yet profound. She believes in kindness, honesty, and respect—values that she sees reflected in the care she receives from HouseCalls.
The Impact of Compassionate Care
Ms. Jones’s story is one of resilience and hope. With the unwavering support of HouseCalls, she continues to live a fulfilling life despite her health challenges. “I couldn’t do this alone,” she admits. “But with HouseCalls, I am never alone.”
HouseCalls is more than just a healthcare service—it is a source of strength for those in need, a reminder that no one has to face their struggles by themselves. Through dedicated caregivers like Rosemarie and Thecia, it provides not just care, but companionship, dignity, and love.
As she settles in for the evening, her caregivers by her side, Ms. Jones smiles. Though she cannot see the world around her, she feels its warmth through the kindness of those who care for her. And that, to her, is the greatest gift of all.
If you need help with Senior care options in Brooklyn, call us to get a professional consultation with senior care experts. If you want to know more about adult day care services, the professionals at HouseCalls Home Care offer excellent resources for learning more about how to care for your aging loved ones. Reach out today to learn more about how we can help you enhance your golden years. Feel free to call HouseCalls Home Care at 718-922-9200 if you or a loved one requires compassionate and competent in-home care services. Our goal is to assist you in locating the best support for your needs. You can also send an email to us at info@housecallshc.org for more information.
