Charlotte’s life had been filled with love, family and meaningful work.
She and her husband were married for 54 years, sharing a life full of memories. They met in college and built careers as educators in central Ohio, with Charlotte’s husband also coaching high school football. Together they raised two sons who had successful careers.
When Charlotte’s husband died, she felt that the world as she knew it came crashing down.
“When my husband died, I felt like my life ended too,” she said.
She experienced profound grief, and she found herself struggling with feelings of loneliness and depression. Charlotte did not know where to turn.
A few months after her husband’s death, Charlotte suffered a mild stroke and spent three months recovering in a rehabilitation facility. As her release date drew near, a health care worker suggested that she might benefit from the Senior Companion program, a service offered by Catholic Social Services (CSS).
The suggestion marked the beginning of a new chapter in Charlotte’s life. It reconnected her to the world around her in a way she did not expect.
The Senior Companion program is designed to help seniors maintain independence while forming connections with others. Social isolation and loneliness are major concerns for many elderly individuals, and the impact can be more detrimental to their health than physical ailments. The program provides a lifeline, offering seniors regular companionship and non-medical assistance so they can remain independent in their homes.
Through the Senior Companion program, seniors are encouraged to participate in community activities, ensuring they stay socially engaged. The program provides emotional support and helps seniors stay connected to others, preventing isolation and fostering a sense of belonging.
When Charlotte was introduced to Margie, her senior companion, she did not know what to expect.
Margie had been a senior companion for nearly 20 years, and she had made a positive impact on the lives of more than 100 seniors. Her approach was to show up with a smile, offer a listening ear and share in life’s small joys.
“Being a companion helps everyone involved,” Margie shared. “It helps you as much as the person you see, and it may even help you more. It’s very rewarding and gives me the feeling that I have accomplished something by helping someone.”
Margie’s visits brought a sense of lightness into Charlotte’s life. The weekly check-in turned into a friendship.
The pair shared meals together, often enjoying lunch at the Bob Evans around the corner from Charlotte’s house. Their conversations ranged from books to life stories, and Charlotte relished the opportunity to talk about her favorite novels.
“We have so much in common, and we can talk about anything,” she said. “The time we spend together goes by so quickly.”
The bond between Charlotte and Margie became a vital source of emotional support for Charlotte, especially after the loss of her husband.
“My doctor said that the loneliness is actually even worse for me than my physical problems. That’s one of the reasons Margie is such a blessing,” she explained.
In addition to bringing joy to Charlotte, Margie finds fulfillment in her role as a senior companion.
“Being a companion helps everyone involved. It helps you as much as the person you see, and it may even help you more,” she said, echoing a sentiment that she has lived by for years.
The program is a way for Margie to help and give back to a community that has given much to her. In helping others, Margie found purpose, connection and an outlet for compassion.
“I’ve always been happy with what I do (in the Senior Companion program),” she added. “The program saved my sanity.”
Charlotte’s story can be considered a testament to the power of companionship.
The Senior Companion program provided her with support that she needed to recover from her stroke and heal emotionally from the loss of her husband. It showed her that, even in times of profound grief and loneliness, it is possible to find connection, purpose and a renewed sense of joy.
Charlotte and Margie demonstrated that friendship is ageless and showing up for someone can change lives in unexpected ways.
The Senior Companion program can reignite a sense of purpose, dignity and connection in individuals struggling with loneliness or social isolation. It is an example of work being done to support seniors in local communities.
To get involved as a participant or a volunteer, visit CSS at colscss.org, or reach out to Pam Ware at pware@colscss.org or 614-857-1237.