Ross's Story

"My mother, Shirley Schriftman, developed Alzheimer’s disease in 2007. By late summer she needed continual supervision at the home we shared.  Mom was 82 when she was diagnosed and 84 when she died. It became difficult to work and watch her on a continual basis. As a long-term-care insurance specialist, I have assisted clients and their families in similar situations. It was now my time to assume the role as caregiver.

Recognizing the ‘burn out’ factor of family caregivers, I sought professional help.  My mother, at first, had great separation anxiety. I couldn’t even leave a room without her yelling for me. I felt trapped, as I needed to work and handle all the arrangements for her care and support.

Initially I had contracted with another agency, but although they tried, the caregivers could not reach Mom and get her cooperation. I knew of Friends Life Care and Intervention Associates through my understanding of the agencies in the area. After meeting with Maxine Scherz and the care manager, Emily Lowe, I felt confident that I had made a good choice. After Emily’s initial evaluation of Mom, Mom said she liked Emily. I believe this was because Emily listened to her and looked directly at her with understanding.

Intervention Associates provided us with Nora, a wonderful live-in companion for my mother. They became good friends, even though my mother would be difficult most of the time. Mom would kiss Nora’s hand and tell her she loved her.

The quality of service was excellent. Emily followed up, kept me informed and gave me good advice as my mother’s condition worsened. Nora and her temporary replacements kept Mom well cared for.

The most impressive thing was how Nora was so willing to take on the difficult task of taking Mom to various places. I wanted to keep my mother ‘in the world’ as long as possible.  Mom’s last long trip was a day at the New Jersey Shore.  She could no longer walk, but we got her downstairs to the car. Nora sat in the back seat with Mom propped up against her so she could see out the window. We put her in the wheelchair when we arrived and went along the promenade. She could smell the ocean and see the people enjoying the beautiful weather. She had a hot dog and a drink. When we got home and got her into bed, I asked Mom if she had a good time. She said, ‘Oh, Yes!’

Mom’s last day out was the Fourth of July. Nora was on a break with her family and her replacement, Ramatu, helped me take Mom to the local parade. We came home, had lunch on the back porch and watched the dog play in the yard. With much effort, we got Mom back into her bedroom. That was the last time she was downstairs. 

I would recommend Intervention Associates to others. They should know what a caring, friendly, hardworking group of people are available for their loved ones. I will always be grateful to Emily, Nora, Ramatu and all the others who helped Mom."

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