Jean Mason
Jean Mason was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in June 2020 at the age of 87. She has always been very independent, and wanted to continue living in her home. But for Jean’s health and safety she needs help with self-care, meals, and basic daily tasks.
Her son and daughter-in-law also recognized that Jean’s health depended on being around other people for socialization and activities that would stimulate both mind and body. Knowing that The Caregiving Place at Senior Friendship Centers provides adult day services, her family took Jean for a tour. A place to spend the day engaged in meaningful activities and socializing with others to whom she could relate was the perfect solution for Jean.
At first, Jean thought back to when she first arrived in this country from England and felt somewhat out of place in social settings. She was always a “people person,” but she wasn’t sure she would fit in. With encouragement from her children and the staff at The Caregiving Place, it didn’t take long for Jean to adjust and feel right at home.
“I fell in love with all the people here. They are all so welcoming and the people who work here make me feel so important and loved.” Jean says she feels “joy, joy, joy” when she’s here with her friends. She loves the dancing, the entertainment, and playing word games and doing crossword puzzles. But her favorite thing is being with other people. “It’s just fun! I look forward to coming every day, and laughing and sharing stories!” She has connected with so many people, and she says that it helps her both mentally and physically.
“I don’t know what I’d do without this place. I would be so lonely.”