“Community Caregivers has been my lifeline for the past year. Without doubt while I have Caregivers, I really do have people who care. I can depend on Community Caregivers 100%. They always follow through.”
Loaner's Closet Testimonials
Since I found out about the Loaners Closet I have saved so much time and money ... They have been a Godsend. I've gotten everything from walkers to wheel chairs to diapers for my mother. Being a caregiver for my 88 year old mother, they have helped me with the resources and needs I would have never known about . To add to this they make me feel so comfortable going there ...everyone is so nice and friendly. I feel like I'm going to visit friends .. I can go on and on about what help they have been ..this place is just amazing .. If I won the lotto they would be one of the first charities I would help !!!
K. C.
In January 2007, my 91 year old mother was released from a hospital to my home. I had no equipment, but was able to get a bedside commode from the Loaners Closet that same day. Shortly afterwards we were able to borrow a transfer bench for her to shower. In August 2007, my father-in-law came to live with us also, and we borrowed an additional commode and were given incontinence supplies for his final months. The Loaners Closet has helped provide a way to keep my mother, who is now almost 100, living at home with us. We are very grateful for this service to us and to the community
G.E.
The Loaner's Closet is a wonderful and important community service. When my husband began cancer treatment, we found that he needed help with his balance and other mobility issues. We were able to borrow a walker and a wheelchair until his stability improved. It was a relief to have just the right equipment for him and at no expense to us at a time of great stress and worry.
P. L.
My brothers and I moved our parents 200 miles from their home to live closer to us after they were no longer able to care for each other and at times for themselves. After dad died we had durable medical goods in good condition or unused and someone suggest we take them to the Loaner's Closet. So I did. The nice lady at the desk then asked me if we needed anything. I explained that we were in need of a wheelchair but size and weight needed to be a factor as I needed to be able to lift and load it into my car. After talking with the friendly staff and explaining mom's situation, they explained that I probably wanted a transport chair. They presented me with one and this took a lot off my mind.
I'd been on a fast learning curve of elder care and missing work to do what was needed. Borrowing a transport chair that day saved me time because now I didn't have to research wheelchairs nor did I have to figure out how I was going to pay for it. The staff uses it to take her to mass in another part of the building and occasionally she uses it to get to the dining room when she's not up to walking. Most importantly to me, I can lift and load it into my car by myself and take her places.
L.K.
This company has helped me get around, with wheelchairs, walkers. Without Caregivers, I would have given up getting around. They have been a blessing for me.
E. S., COTA/L MOTS Salem State University
Thank you so much for all that you do. The Loaner’s Closet makes a significant difference for so many people. Medical equipment can take a long time to arrive, if clients are lucky enough to be able to get reimbursement for them at all. Your facility makes a huge difference in their lives by assisting in locating and providing equipment for clients. For some families and clients that do not have insurance the Closet provides an opportunity to live more independently, with greater self-esteem and they can return to doing the things that are important to them. Thank you for all that you do.
S.W., Derry
Last spring I was diagnosed with cancer. Months of chemo, surgery and radiation left me quite weak and in need of some durable medical equipment. We are retired and money does not flow easily. The Loaners Closet was a real "God send". I was able to get equipment to make my life a lot easier. I found the staff to be extremely kind and helpful. This organization enables people to lead a "normal life" in times of great need.
E.B, Londonderry
A year ago, my brother and I were facing our mother's terminal illness. Community Caregiver's loaned us a portable toilet, a sliding bench for the bathtub, a raised toilet seat, rails for her bed and even a safety belt. This saved us significant money and provided a relief from worrying about having to purchase these items. This is a very important part of Community Caregiver's service to the greater Derry community and we are so grateful for the assistance from them.
T.S.
I have MS that has gotten progressively worse over the years. I have used the Loaner’s Closet many times for items that are not covered through my insurance or I need multiple items of which my insurance has a cap. The staff also helped me locate and access a motorized wheelchair and ramp that someone generously donated . This allows me the independence to post and retrieve mail, walk my dog, wait for the school bus and water my flowers.
Client Testimonials
Elaine from Hampstead
I can't tell you how much the quality of my life has been improved from the help of the Caregivers. I no longer have the stress of how I will be able to get, to and from my doctor's appointments, dental appointments, and tests ordered by my doctors. Over the past couple of years I have had to hire someone to drive me to these appointments, and make the decision of going to the doctors or buying food. Once you have had cancer every doctor appointment is very important. The money I was using to pay for drivers was coming from my food money. Since being a client of the Caregivers that is no longer something I have to worry about. I make a call to Susanne at the Caregivers who handles getting rides for my appointments. She is so kind to me on the phone; she takes all the information and tells me she will call me back once she has found a driver for me. The drivers I have had have all been so wonderful. They all make sure I know where I will meet them when I am done with my appointment. They all arrive on time to pick me up and always get me to my appointments on time. They are all such very kind and pleasant people. I have a lovely woman on Friday's who takes me once a week to the grocery store to get my groceries. I call her ahead of time, if I need to go that week. She has been so wonderful to me. I have another very wonderful woman, who I call my Angel, who comes every Wednesday afternoon. This is after she works a full day at her job. She helps me with anything I need help with. Every Wednesday she will walk in and say to me, "What would you like to do or get done today" I can't tell you how nice it feels, how special it makes me feel to have someone say "what would I like to do today". It can be anything from doing laundry, taking the trash out, to going out for coffee, picking up prescriptions, running errands. She is a real Angel to me. I feel so blessed to have her.
Rick from Derry
In November 2012 at the age of 47, I was diagnosed with end stage renal failure as a result of having been a diabetic for 20 years. My doctor informed me that I would require dialysis three times a week for the rest of my life or until I could get a kidney transplant. I continued working as a security manager at the John Hancock Tower in Boston until my condition worsened in April of 2014. At that time, I had to leave work and apply for Social Security benefits. My illness had also caused me to frequently fall into unconsciousness without warning, so I also had to give up my driver’s license. To say this was a life-changing experience is an understatement, to say the least. I felt completely isolated. How would I get to dialysis or the many doctors appointment that I had scheduled? My answer came when the Social Worker at my dialysis center suggested I contact Community Caregivers. I did so and the resulting association has dramatically improved my situation. The caregiver volunteers are a gift from God. They have never failed to get me to my dialysis treatments or the dozens of doctor’s appointments I’ve had in the last four years. Many of the drivers have become personal friends and the office staff are miracle workers! They have scheduled many complex driving assignments for me to places like Mass General Hospital so I can persue a kidney transplant. In short, Community Caregivers has become an indispensible part of my life.
Lorene from Windham
Last November Cindee found another amazing match for my mom with a high school volunteer named Tori. It has made my mom happier than I could ever say to know that a very busy young lady in high school wants to take time out to come and see her. She encourages her to talk and then intently listens to her....she is a very bright, articulate, compassionate and patient young lady who has been such a blessing to my mom. We have Cindee and the Community Caregivers to thank beyond measure for these amazing selfless volunteers!
Volunteering Testimonials
Victoria, Derry, class of 2017
I have been a volunteer with Community Caregivers of Greater Derry since October, 2015. I decided to volunteer because I wanted to make a difference in the life of someone in my community, and I was introduced to the organization after they set up a booth at my high school's volunteer fair. I have found that Community Caregivers of Greater Derry offers a truly unique and meaningful way to service the community. The agency trained me, vetted me, found out my interests and parameters, and found someone who might be a good fit for me. I was eventually matched with an elderly woman from Connecticut who is living with her daughter due to decreased mobility. Though she lives with her daughter, she enjoys having visitors to add a little excitement to her days, as she cannot leave the house very often. For this reason, I visit her each week simply to brighten her day; sometimes we spend the whole time talking, as she enjoys hearing about my busy life, and other times we may play a card game or look at old photo albums. Regardless of what we spend the time on, it is a wonderful experience for both of us. For me, the visit is a pleasant break from my hectic schedule, during which I can slow down and enjoy her company. Likewise, the visit provides her with something to look forward to each week and brings some enjoyment to her day. While volunteering through the Community Caregivers is a rewarding experience for anyone, it is especially beneficial for teens. Though teens often take part in mindless volunteer work simply for the sake of earning community service hours, Community Caregivers offers a unique experience that means so much more. There is much to be learned from spending time with an elderly match, and nothing is more rewarding than knowing that you brought a smile to their face. Aside from volunteer opportunities, Community Caregivers also provides a resource center for the Greater Derry area. I have personally seen the impact of this, as well, for my grandparents both reached out to the organization a few years ago. Because of the Loaner’s Closet for Durable Medical Equipment, my grandmother was able to borrow canes, walkers and finally wheelchairs that she would not have been able to otherwise afford. My grandfather also frequently stopped by the office just to say hello, as everyone was always friendly and patient with him. Even my mother reached out to Caregivers at one point for moral support as she dealt with two immobile and needy parents. No matter what the situation, someone was always ready to help. I consider the services provided by the Community Caregivers to be needed in the area because they make a major impact on both the volunteers’ and the clients’ lives, helping to create a caring and supportive environment for everyone. I truly hope that Community Caregivers receives any requested town support to continue making valuable matches that change lives, as it is truly a unique organization with a meaningful purpose. Though the ideas and services may seem small, they make a world of difference.
Tom of Londonderry
I have been a volunteer with Community Caregivers of Greater Derry since December 2005. I decided to volunteer for several reasons:The agency trained me, vetted me, found out my interests and parameters and determined who I could help. They were very thorough in meeting the needs of both my future client and me. Over the years I have done everything from laundry to cooking, cleaning and organizing, and all for residents of Londonderry. My most recent assignments include cleaning out and organizing several rooms of a house, and walking a dog and spending time in conversation with a couple who have mobility issues. Community Caregivers does outreach in the community in this way and engages churches and civic groups by participating in community events such as Old Home days and advertising in church bulletins, which is how I found them. I feel that this is a critical service and is needed for both clients and volunteers because it touches so many people in need and provides the volunteer with a sense of worth and value. It often times fills a void for both parties. Their work and efforts to provide services for those in need is absolutely invaluable to the seven towns it serves.
- Giving back to my community
- Balance in my personal/work life
- Helping someone locally while someone helped my elderly mother in Pennsylvania
- Paying it forward for all the wonderful blessings in my life
Ken from Kingston
It is a weekly ritual that I enjoy. Someone from Caregivers calls me and asks if I have the time to drive someone to a medical appointment. If I am available, I learn that I can pick up someone in Derry, Londonderry, Chester, Sandown, Hampstead, or Windham, and take him or her to an appointment. Sometimes the destination is local. Sometimes it is 40 or 50 miles away. What a joy it is to connect with folks who cannot drive but need to get somewhere special. This only happens because the Caregiver agency makes it happen. I have volunteered for about ten years and I can see the value. I don't know half of what other volunteers do, but I hear rumors of shopping, housekeeping, light maintenance, and visiting. I thank the folks at Greater Derry Caregivers for keeping me connected to others. It is good to know they will be there when I have a need for a ride or whatever.
Pat from Derry
Community Caregivers is the BEST organization I have had the pleasure and honor of volunteering with. I've have met many wonderful folks who are dependent on the kindness of strangers. I look forward to my Wednesday visits with my elderly friend Heidi. We laugh, exchange memories, opinions and sometimes tears. She's a widow with no family. I am one of the few things that brighten an otherwise solitary existence. That feeling is indescribable. It takes a village. Community Caregivers is just that...COMMUNITY. Consider giving. If not your time, your donation, a drive to a doctor's appointment or even no longer needed equipment can make a difference. You can make a difference!
Al & Marion from Sandown
Both of us have been volunteering for Community Caregivers of Greater Derry for three years. It started when a client had a need for an early morning drive to Exeter. This actually led us to signing up to be available volunteers for our communities. We were interviewed by Cindee at that time. The application included two non-family references, our interest areas, car insurance, good driving records, and available times. We still fill out a form yearly for insurance purposes. Being comfortable knowing the interviewing was on done with both volunteer and client, we are more comfortable meeting the client. We have explored roads in our towns with a new interest. Given a contact number, directions, pick-up and appointment times, we are off to meet someone in need. Some rides are schedules and others have been emergency needs. Staff and clients are quite appreciative. There is a bonus of social interaction with the client. Personally, I have encountered health checks that our Police do. Other drives have been 2 different NH dialysis units; doctor’s appointments here in NH and MA; emergency pick up of medications; shoveling walkway; and grocery shopping. Our focus has been on rides where the most need is. We feel that we can ‘pay it forward’ and hopefully when the need arises the services will be there for us.
Project Upkeep Testimonials
Sarah from Londonderry
I have been a client with Caregivers since October 2008. The organization was recommended to me by Moore Center Services of Manchester, NH, an organization which supports families with special needs children. I am a single mother with three special needs kids. I contacted Community Caregivers because of resources needed for home modifications/repairs which were at times were either too small for a handyman to respond to or too costly to repair. When I contacted Community Caregivers, Cindee came to my home to learn more about family needs and has assisted our family in a number of situations over the past several years that have saved our family thousands of dollars in home repairs from leaky faucets to broken light switches and more. The volunteers from Community Caregivers have done an outstanding job and I can’t thank them enough for the time they have taken to give of their time and services to our family. It is organizations like these that give families the hope and support during difficult times when the last thing someone needs is for a basic home need to be out of order and little to no resources to work with. Cindee and her team of volunteers have provided those resources and I highly recommend support of organizations like Community Caregivers to continue to do the work they do – supporting and caring for families.
SCENARIOS IN WHICH CAREGIVERS HAS BEEN INVOLVED
Mr. W. is a 98 year old gentleman who lives alone in his home. His closest relative lives in Mass. and is unable to visit more than 1x monthly. He contacted Caregivers to obtain help with grocery shopping. A volunteer takes him shopping or does his groceries (depending on his physical capability from week to week) every Friday. In addition the volunteer spends time visiting, alleviating some of his social isolation.
A mother contacted Caregivers to request rides to the Elliot Hospital every week day morning for three weeks. It was medically necessary that her newborn remain in the neonatal unit. Drivers committed to transporting the same day for the 3 week period to provide continuity for the mother.
A husband and wife, who are in their late 80’s, reside in senior housing in Derry. The wife suffered a stroke approximately 4 years ago and has been the primary focus of her husband’s attention. An out of state family member contacted Caregivers to determine if a volunteer could assist with light chores. For the past two years a volunteer has aided them with dusting and vacuuming needs. On an occasional basis the husband has called for someone to stay with his wife while he goes to a doctor’s appointment.
Mr. W. is a 98 year old gentleman who lives alone in his home. His closest relative lives in Mass. and is unable to visit more than 1x monthly. He contacted Caregivers to obtain help with grocery shopping. A volunteer takes him shopping or does his groceries (depending on his physical capability from week to week) every Friday. In addition the volunteer spends time visiting, alleviating some of his social isolation.
A mother contacted Caregivers to request rides to the Elliot Hospital every week day morning for three weeks. It was medically necessary that her newborn remain in the neonatal unit. Drivers committed to transporting the same day for the 3 week period to provide continuity for the mother.
A husband and wife, who are in their late 80’s, reside in senior housing in Derry. The wife suffered a stroke approximately 4 years ago and has been the primary focus of her husband’s attention. An out of state family member contacted Caregivers to determine if a volunteer could assist with light chores. For the past two years a volunteer has aided them with dusting and vacuuming needs. On an occasional basis the husband has called for someone to stay with his wife while he goes to a doctor’s appointment.