The following is a true story. The names, locations, story details, and circumstances have been changed to protect everyone’s identity. I guess that makes the tale fictional but based on a true story. Decide for yourself.

The day was unusually warm. It was the kind of day when the sidewalks shimmered with heat, and snow cones did not make it past the second bite before dripping down the hands of those who sought relief. 

Diane had been at work for an hour, and the day was already presenting its challenges. The HVAC unit for Somewhere Senior Center was not cooling like it should, and the guests were complaining. But that was only the start of the issues that needed to be addressed. Betty stopped in looking for information on help with preparing her taxes. Bill called and wanted to know if someone could get him to his doctor’s appointment tomorrow. Barb popped her head into the office to let Diane know that she wouldn’t be in to volunteer next week. 

Diane sighed. She lives for helping people, but sometimes, the needs exceed the time available to help. Reports needed to be filed, supplies ordered, and air conditioning units repaired.

That’s when the phone rang.

“Thank you for calling Somewhere Senior Center,” Diane answered with more enthusiasm than a sweltering day deserved. “How may I help you?” 

“Hi. This is Bob,” the caller answered. Diane thought, “Why does everyone’s name begin with the letter ‘B’?” But Ben continued, “I was visiting with my neighbor, Brad, earlier today, and I’m hoping you can help him.”

“What’s bothering Brad, Bob?” Diane almost bobbled that line.

“Well, Brad,” Ben continued, “has fallen on some hard times. He is 63 and had to retire after some health issues came up. Brad’s really not doing well. He lost his health insurance, so he couldn’t afford medical care. This heat isn’t helping since his little home doesn’t have any air circulation. He hasn’t felt like getting off the couch to even make something to eat. Not that it matters. He doesn’t have any food in the kitchen to make. Since his health problems keep him at home, he can’t even get out to buy food. He really needs some help.”

Diane suddenly became laser-focused. This is a dire situation that requires immediate help. A community member needed medical care, relief from the heat, and food as soon as possible. This is a life-and-death crisis.

Diane quickly collected Brad’s information and knew exactly what needed to be done. This would require a particular set of skills that very few people knew Diane was capable of.

She ducked into a phone booth and donned her superhero uniform. “Why is there a phone booth in a senior center?” she thought. Her uniform tailor was a local man named Don. Don was very proud of his uniforms—so proud that he called them Doniforms. Weird, huh? 

I lost my place. Where was I?

Oh yeah! Dynamic Diane was donning her dandy Doniform. 

She picked up her phone at near inhuman speed and contacted the Navigator program. They would be able to set him up with low-cost medical insurance. Next, she flew like a bullet to the storage closet and located a couple of window fans that had been donated. They could be used to cool Brad’s home down and give him some relief from the heat. Then, with her cape still fluttering, she contacted Brad and signed him up to receive Home Delivered Meals on a regular basis. 

Brad was overjoyed. He could afford to go see a doctor now, and his home was no longer shimmering like the overheated sidewalks. His Home-Delivered Meals were not only delicious but also had desserts!

But Diane didn’t stop there. Like the superhero she is, she was able to connect Brad with a Care Coordinator who found assistance to help with his utility bills. They were able to help him apply for SNAP benefits and other services that saved him a bunch of money. Diane even signed him up for Telephone Reassurance calls, where someone would call and check in on Brad regularly. 

Brad’s life was changed. He went from having little hope for his future to seeing rainbows out of his window…but that might have been from the neighbor’s sprinklers. Either way, he was relieved.

Yes, this is a silly story. However, Brad’s situation happens far too frequently. Thankfully, there is SeniorAge. The people who work as Senior Center Leads, Navigators, and Care Coordinators are actual superheroes. Thousands of seniors are helped every year through the heroic efforts of these caring people. 

But like everything, helping others comes with a cost. Frankly, SeniorAge cannot do this alone. You can join us in our mission of working together, finding options, and bettering lives. Volunteers, including delivery drivers and center volunteers, are needed throughout our 17-county service area.

We also need the funds to fulfill our mission. Please consider donating to help us serve our local seniors at www.continuetogive.com/senioragegiving. With your generous gift, you can join the other superheroes who make a difference in the lives of others. We might even give you Don’s address so you can get your own superhero Doniform (capes cost extra, though).