Crossing Cultural Boundaries
 
Lalitha and Cadavasal were born, raised and educated in India. Although they both exhibit the gentle demeanor of their country, they are sophisticated citizens of the world.  Cadavasal's prosperous job as a salesman took them to many places, and they even traveled to Moscow. As they advanced in age, however, physical frailties and a volatile Russian economy led them to reexamine their living situation, and they relocated to San Diego to be near their daughter, a UCSD professor. Now in their late 80's, Cadavasal is losing his sight and Lalitha has movement issues.  In 2012, they found ElderHelp.  They exalt the "unfailing, professional and caring service" from their Seniors A Go Go drivers who get them to their many doctor's appointments. They're grateful for their regular grocery shopper, and were overwhelmed when a team of volunteers arrived at their doorstep to help them move to new living quarters. Even though they now must deal with a more frugal way of life, they feel blessed that ElderHelp is in their lives.  Cadavasal points out that our volunteer tradition in this country is rare in the world, and that ElderHelp volunteers are the best of the lot. 
Intergenerational Love
 
On Wednesday, July 27th, the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito came to visit us to help make birthday cards for some of our members (26 to be exact!)  who will be celebrating their birthdays in August or September. From athletics to education and arts, the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito offer a variety of programs to meet the needs of the community and instill a sense of belonging, usefulness, influence and competence in our youth.   The boys and girls learned about the needs of our seniors and connected to the individuals by addressing the cards by name. Each camper left with a potted plant to give to a special senior in their lives. This was a great experience, not only to have fun cards to send to our members, but hopefully we made the campers think a little bit more about the older adults in their lives and how a small gesture can go a long way!
Rewards of Volunteering

After 30 years as a legal assistant, Pat took a nontraditional route when planning her retirement.   While many new retirees plan long mornings with a second cup of coffee, Pat planned out the ways she would serve her community. We're glad that ElderHelp was on the list! Pat learned more about ElderHelp at the Spring Benefit on the Bay at Southwestern Yacht Club ,  our corporate partner. As a lifetime Yacht Club member, Pat initiated women's yacht racing at the club in the early 1980's. She and her team sailed into victory on several occasions in "Finesse," her bright red sailboat. Now she brings her "finesse" to ElderHelp. Pat provides weekly office support at ElderHelp and recently provided a ride to our member, Connie. "I'm sure it won't be the last time I will see her," remarks Pat. "Connie shared with me that there were weeks that she didn't even get her mail because it didn't seem to matter. ElderHelp seems to be her new life." We're so glad Pat shared this story with us, and we are grateful to have her on our volunteer team. If you are interested in becoming an ElderHelp volunteer, RSVP for our upcoming Volunteer Orientation on August 3rd or August 27th.