When you’re a volunteer, sometimes you make a special connection with someone and do what is needed in an emergency. My name is Greta, and I have been a medical chaperone to many individuals. Often, I form a special connection with the clients I assist, and here is just one story when those special connections made a huge difference.
Carmen called me to tell me that her house was flooding and water was coming through her ceilings. I suggested she call 211 and then call me back to update me on what they decided to do. About an hour later, she called back to say that 211 had contacted 911, and the fire department was on the way.
When the fire department arrived, they had to break down her ceilings due to the significant flooding over the stove and in the fan. Carmen was extremely stressed, and they sent her to a hotel until the damage could be resolved. She called me from a hotel where she had to stay while waiting to return home. After two days, they told her she could return home, but the ceilings hadn’t been fixed correctly, and the floors were still wet. Since the work was incomplete, I helped her call her property manager. They contacted the fire department again, who determined it wasn't safe for her to stay in the apartment until the ceiling and all holes in the walls were repaired, so they sent her back to the hotel.
This time, I went to her apartment, packed up some of her belongings, transported them in my car to the hotel, and made sure she felt safe and had what she needed. Carmen has MS, and being out of her home caused her significant stress. She ended up staying in the hotel for two more days. Finally, when she was allowed back home, the ceilings were fixed, and everything was up to standard.
However, the next day after returning home, Carmen called me and said she didn't feel well. I went to her house, picked her up, and took her to the emergency room. They admitted her to the hospital overnight to monitor her condition, as she was feeling very weak. Carmen stayed in the hospital until the afternoon the next day, and they sent her home by ambulance. Once she got home, she called me to let me know she was doing okay.
I consistently check on Carmen because she is by herself. She has nieces and nephews, but they all live in Maine. Since she is a senior and has health challenges, I believe it is important for someone to care enough to check on her regularly. I make it a point to check on her often. I want to clarify that while I care deeply for all my clients, Carmen currently needs my support the most.
There have been times when Carmen had doctor’s appointments, and her rides didn’t show up. I always take her because I believe it’s important to provide support not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. Thank God, she is doing okay!