Our Stories

Jose Regains His Independence

José

To understand the challenges experienced by elders with medical needs, just ask Jose, a participant at Oasis Adult Day Health Center in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Four years ago, Jose found himself struggling with medical challenges that made it hard to be as active as he wanted to be and to perform daily living tasks such as shopping and preparing meals. Making sure he was taking all of his medications correctly each day was also difficult. He felt he had lost some of his independence, and he missed being out in the community, where he could be with friends and enjoy life.

Life is Better Now

The Personal Care Attendant program that provided Jose with in-home supports referred him to Oasis, believing that the center’s personalized mix of medical and social supports could help him manage his health while being active in the community he loves. Now Jose is thriving.

“I like to come to the center because I feel good, and my life is better now than before.” – Jose

Jose says that he has benefited from the variety of activities available at the center, which give him the active lifestyle he prefers and a taste of his home culture of Puerto Rico. He enjoys exercise classes, walks in the community, and playing dominoes with other participants. With supports such as healthy meals tailored to his medical needs, help with his medications and transportation to his doctor’s appointments, the staff at Oasis have taken the worry out of daily living so he can enjoy each day.

Getting the Most out of Each Day

Jose’s life is very different now compared to four years ago. Thanks to Oasis, he has a renewed sense of independence, and his medical challenges no longer keep him from being a part of neighborhood life. He knows it can make a difference for others, too.

“Come. It is a center where there are many supports and you can feel good!” Jose says.