House of Care Inc

Making a House a Home

Ruth* grew up in one of the many valleys that wind their way gently beneath the mountains of central Pennsylvania.  Born, almost a century ago, on the same plot of land that had been her parents, and her grandparents before them, Ruth properly claimed this piece of land as her own.  There she and her husband weathered the joys and tragedies of life; the great depression, children born and children lost, the hard life of farming and the more challenging work away from the farm.  Ruth experienced the shared love of husband and friends; family, church and community.  That small farmhouse in that quiet and gentle valley became her home.  The aromas of the kitchen, the hand sewn drapes, the split and stockpiled firewood, the canned harvests of many summers, the special chair in the “sitting room”; they all were fruits of her labor and her life.  This was her home; a representation of her soul, heart and spirit.

In November, of 2007, that all changed.  Her life-long partner died, leaving her alone with no family close by, all having long ago left the valley in search of work and adventure.  Ruth, at that point entering her ninth decade of life, was herself failing in health.  Considered legally blind and with advanced diabetes Ruth found it difficult to continue to maintain and care for herself, or for the place she had called home for so long.  Through her pastor, Ruth was introduced to the House of Care.  With anxious uncertainty Ruth made perhaps the biggest move of her life.

With open arms and a caring spirit we welcomed Ruth into our house.  There we have shaped together a new home, different from that home she knew for so many years.  Here she shares her home with four other individuals with similar stories.  Each finding their way through the journey of lost loved ones, loss of health, and limited capabilities.  Each learning new ways to find comfort and contentment in the midst of their loneliness, separation, and quite often, confusion.

All residents at the House of Care are encouraged to remain as independent as they possibly can.  Twice a week, or as needed, our staff does the laundry of each resident.  Ruth insists on folding and putting away her own; each sock and piece of clothing folded and stored just as she had done for those many decades.  Ruth, though with limited eyesight, has developed a system monitored by staff, that allows her to administer her own medications. Ruth finds comfort in remaining independent as possible with the knowledge that the House of Care staff is there to support her as needed.

An occasional bingo game, or the special treat of a game of horseshoes, provides Ruth with social and physical activity.  Her new family, in her new home, share together in the day to day activities of living.  When one resident is ill or having difficulties it affects everyone.  Shared words of encouragement or support are freely expressed even as each person deals with their own difficulties or limitations.

With clear consensus, all residents of the House of Care would say they never envisioned spending their final years in a personal care home.  Yet just as clearly, they have all embraced this reality in their own unique ways and have shaped the House of Care into their home.

The same pictures that sat on Ruth’s table, or hung on her walls for so many years, are now on the tables and walls that surround us.  The aromas may not be quite the same, the drapes are most likely “store bought”, and there is no longer a need for splitting firewood or canning tomatoes.  Yet Ruth is encouraged to share her stories of the past and find ways to bridge with the staff and other residents into her new life and experience of living.

Stop by and say hello sometime, you’ll likely find Ruth rocking on the front porch or watering the house plants.  She’ll be glad to welcome you into her home.

*The resident’s name in this story has been changed in respect for privacy

Each day the House of Care staff provides personal care services to the residents who come to this special place: a bedroom of their own, nutritious meals, laundry and cleaning services, opportunities for stimulating activities, assistance with medication administration, transport to appointments and special events, friendly conversation, listening ears and open hearts. All come to us with physical or mental health limitations, and without the financial and family support needed to live on their own.

As the only non-profit personal care home in the region to serve this special population, the House of Care fills a critical role for our community. Our mission to these dear people would simply not be possible without the generous support of donors.