Norwood Woman Continues to Care with Program’s Help-July 19, 1993

/In the quaint town of Norwood, Massachusetts, a remarkable story of compassion and dedication has unfolded over the past twelve years. Marie Jaras, a widow in her mid-sixties, has been providing a foster home for Ormond Kingsbury, an elderly man who had been her boss at the Plympton Press. The arrangement began informally, with Kingsbury chipping in financially and driving Jaras to the grocery store and other errands.

As the years passed, however, the expenses associated with caring for Kingsbury grew, and Jaras found herself struggling to make ends meet on her modest income of $6,000 per year. Despite her reluctance, she began to explore the option of placing Kingsbury in a nursing home, but he cried at the prospect of leaving his home.

It was then that Jaras discovered the adult family care program, designed to keep people out of nursing homes unless they require 24-hour nursing care. The program, funded by state and federal funds, aims to save money by providing foster family care, which is less expensive than institutional care. The program is also open to individuals whose incomes are too high to meet Medicaid guidelines.

Through the program’s support, Jaras has been able to continue caring for Kingsbury, with a nurse visiting three times a week to provide home health care. “He’s a good person,” Jaras says, “and I didn’t have the heart to push him out.” The arrangement is mutually beneficial, as Kingsbury receives the care and companionship he needs, while Jaras benefits from the financial support provided by the program.

The adult family care program is run locally by Old Colony Elderly Services Inc., a regional home care agency in Brockton that receives state and federal funds to serve 34 communities in southeastern Norfolk County and Plymouth County. The program is open to adults of any age who are disabled or elderly, and social workers match clients with individuals or families who are willing to provide a home, companionship, and needed care.

Caregivers like Jaras receive a tax-free stipend of $22.60 per day, providing room, board, and personal care for the client. They also receive ongoing training and support services, as well as a 14-day respite or vacation each year when the client is away. The program is available to people of all income levels, with a sliding scale fee.

For those who are eligible for Medicaid, the daily fee is $9; others pay $39 per day. Clients use their own money for personal expenses, and the program encourages caregivers to help with meals and other activities that promote independence.

The success of the adult family care program has been remarkable, with 33 clients currently receiving care in 28 homes. Director Kristen Gardiner notes that many people are unaware of the program’s existence, and Old Colony is working closely with another local home care agency, the Health and Social Services Consortium in Foxboro, to inform the public about its benefits.

As Jaras continues to care for Kingsbury, she is grateful for the support provided by the adult family care program. “He’s a good person,” she says, “and I’m glad I can continue to help him.” The program’s success is a testament to the power of compassion and dedication in providing care and support to those who need it most.