Coastline - An Answer to Prayers by Abrah J. Salk

Mr. Joseph Alves' is a vivacious, kind-hearted gentleman whose healthy view on life is contagious. But he remembers a time not too long ago, when things were dismal in his life, and he was not so optimistic.

It was a dreary and cold day in February when Mr. Alves slipped on ice and broke both of his shoulders and required surgery. This independent and spry 78-year-old man suddenly needed care, as he couldn't move either of his arms during the healing process. This predicament would've been enough to overwhelm anyone -suddenly unable to perform the simplest of tasks and needing to depend on other people (not to mention the pain of having two ailing arms). However, this was the least of Mr. Alves' problems. His main concern was taking care of his wife Eleanor, who was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. Joseph was her primary caregiver and now he was incapacitated and in need of care himself. What was he going to do? Mr. Alves felt very alone, depressed, and scared. He didn't know where to turn to for the answers.

Luckily, Mr. Alves' three children contacted Pat Midurski, a nurse with the Fairhaven Visiting Nurses Association, and she was able to put Mr. Alves in touch with Coastline Elderly Services, Inc. This was the answer to Mr. Alves' prayers. "It was like the heavens opens up", Mr. Alves said. Shortly after contacting Coastline, a case manager visited him and set up a plan for both him and his wife. A caregiver sent by Coastline came to his house to bathe him, while Coastline sent someone else to watch his wife for a few hours each day. Without these accommodations, Mr. Alves doubted how things would've turned out.

Mr. Alves is back on his feet and fully recovered from his shoulder surgery. His wife is now at Sacred Heart Nursing Home since her condition progressed, but he visits her daily and volunteers there, as well.

"People don't realize what we have here at Coastline. If I ever come into any money they're (Coastline) going to get something from me. I can't say enough good things about Coastline. I hope people will read this and help with some donations - I know money is tight, but this is a needed place - an excellent place to get help. The public needs to be supportive of Coastline Elderly by either volunteering or donating money or just supporting them by speaking out in favor of them. I'll never forget how great they were", Mr. Alves continues, "Everything I say comes from the heart."

Mr. Alves' story is not unique - he is just one of many clients that Coastline has helped. Coastline takes pride in making a difference in the elderly community. We invite you to contact us and utilize our services. We can be reached at 508-999-6400 or you can email us at information@coastlineelderly.org.