Miriam, 58 – Stroke

I am 58 years old and have been the victim of three abusive marriages.  When I was hospitalised following a stroke I was scared to go home alone as I was worried about being on my own.  I knew I was quite young but yet I wanted to be moved into residential care.  Bikur Cholim’s volunteers first visited me in hospital and encouraged me to try coming home with support before giving up on my independence.  The volunteers advised me about how to apply for Telecare, social care service which provides panic buttons and alarms so that I would not be so anxious about being on her own.  I returned home and together with my volunteers we developed a plan which included activities such as meal preparation, menu planning, joining an exercise group and introductions to some neighbours.  One of the volunteers also helped me apply for DLA thereby increasing my income.  I am is now at home and have given up on her idea of residential care.  I’m so grateful to Sarah, my Bikur Cholim volunteer /befriender who has given me back my independence.  Had I had my way I would have been an old lady by now.  I am enjoying life and am hopeful for the future”.