Aging and able
with a support network

By Tom Waring
Times Staff Writer

Evelyn Brooks has faced some obstacles in her life, but she has generally been able to care for herself.
"I’m a proud person," she said. "I don’t believe in asking for help unless I absolutely, desperately need it."
Brooks, a 67-year-old from Frankford, decided she absolutely, desperately needed help after injuring herself stepping into a hole on Pilling Street in the fall of 2006.
As a temporarily homebound Northeast resident age 60 or older, Brooks qualified for assistance from the JCC Klein Branch’s in-home support program.
The services are provided at little or no cost, thanks to funding by the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.
They include personal care, home-delivered meals, home adaptations/equipment, incontinence supplies, cleaning, minor home repairs, utility bill assistance, extermination services and medical transportation.
The fall by Brooks, a Leiper Street resident, sapped her of her energy and exacerbated other problems, such as asthma.
The JCC program is providing her with meals and helped her purchase a refrigerator and air conditioner.
Social worker Michele Greengard ordered a hand-held shower device for her client, along with housekeeping and laundry assistance and rides to and from doctors’ appointments. She also successfully lobbied the landlord to make various timely repairs to the apartment and set up three-way conference calls with a bank and a utility company.
Next, Greengard plans to help Brooks obtain much-needed dental care.
"I can’t begin to tell you how they’ve really, really helped me," Brooks said. "They’ve helped me with so many things. They have been so good to me."
Brooks gives most of the credit to Greengard and had a friend make her an afghan in appreciation.
"I can’t hug her enough," Brooks said. "I know her workload is really heavy."
The social worker said, "I’m just doing my job," adding that Brooks’ well-being is the only thing that matters.
"She’s doing much better than when I first saw her," Greengard said.
The in-home support program consists of Rivka Powers, the JCC’s director of special services; Greengard and three other caseworkers who have about 60 clients at any given time; a secretary; and an intern.
"We’re great advocates," Greengard said. "It’s a very special group of people I work with. They’re all very dedicated."
Powers explained that the program is designed to keep people independent and encourage them to take advantage of the social, recreational and informational programs at the Klein Branch.
"This program is a lifesaver for seniors in the Northeast," she said. "We help bring you back on your feet."
Brooks likes to engage in conversation and is happy that Greengard is a good listener, even when she’s pouring out her heart. The social worker believes her client would be a welcome addition to the JCC senior companion program, where volunteers talk to other older folks.
Brooks has one daughter, four grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
Over the years, she’s led an active life. She’s worked numerous jobs, from scrubbing floors to picking cotton in South Carolina to serving as a nursing assistant. She’s also volunteered and spends a lot of time at the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Kingdom Hall.
Though on a fixed income, she manages to pay her bills every month.
"I’ve been a worker all of my life," Brooks said. "As soon as I get on my feet, I’d love to volunteer with JCC. I want to be healthy enough to be able to help other people."
The individuals receiving help through the in-home support program generally have little discretionary money after paying their medical bills and mortgage.
Often, they’ve just been released from the hospital or have no family help. Some are depressed, while others have physical health problems, are adapting to a pacemaker or are recovering from hip replacement surgery and other operations.
The in-home support program staff wants Northeast residents to know that help is available.
"There’s a great need," Greengard said, "and I don’t think people know about it." ••
The JCC Klein Branch’s in-home support program is open to temporarily homebound Northeast residents age 60 and older. For more information, call 267-345-7791 or visit www.phillyjcc.com
Reporter Tom Waring can be reached at 215-354-3034 or twaring@phillynews.com