This week on WCLK's The Local Take(Saturday mornings 8am) our continuing series of conversations with members of our community features Ms. Linda Westmoreland. Ms. Westmoreland moved to National Church Residences after her husband had a heart attack which left him with cognitive impairment. She felt that they were lucky to be able to leave their condominium and obtain an apartment that was on one level.
Before the Covid-19 lockdown, Linda received assistance with her husband's care. A respite home health worker came to them four times a week. This allowed Linda to visit local food pantries and just escape for a few hours each week. When their facility went on lockdown in mid-February she was concerned. It meant her respite care worker was no longer allowed. She wouldn't be able to visit the food pantries. She was wondering how she and her husband would survive.
She was able to sign up for a food delivery program that provides her with a monthly care box filled with long shelf life foods. It wasn't until her facility announced that they would be able to supply food and some meals that she was able to relaxed. She was stressed out trying to figure out how they would have enough food.
I asked how has she mainted her mental health during this time, she responded with "meditation and prayer." She wants us all to know that we are not alone and that "it's ok to cry."
To Donate to the Resident Emergency Fund - By donating to the Resident Emergency Fund, you will be helping support our residents who have been the most affected by local/regional COVID-19 response protocols. Assistance with prepared meals, emergency grocery provisions and medical supplies will be provided with these funds. Resident food pantries and transportation will also be supported with your donation. Link: https://www.nationalchurchresidences.org/donate/COVID-19-response.
