Local woman, son benefit from Transitions program

By Valerie Lemoi
Managing Editor
valerie@sussexcountian.com

Thanks to Transitions, a program sponsored by Delaware Hospice, Catherine Grimm has a bright outlook on life.

“At first, I could hardly write my name,” Catherine said about when she first entered the Transitions program. “I have recovered well. If I do something, I don’t get as blue.”

Transitions started in January of 2003, according to Transitions Coordinator Al Morris. Since then, it has provided volunteers for over 50 people in Sussex County.

The idea for such a program began two years ago when Delaware Hospice did a survey. The first thing discovered was people wanted a Hospice facility, Morris said. The second was people wanted a service for those who have a serious illness, not just a terminal one.

Then, a name was needed. Morris said a man in Massachusetts started such a program and named it Transitions. After thinking of a few different names, that one stuck.

Transitions is a non-medical, free program that provides help for those who need assistance in getting meals, transportation and just about any other services needed. For Grimm, that means having volunteers visit her to clean the house, play Scrabble or just talk.

“We used to have to worry who we would get (before Transitions),” said Brad, Catherine’s son who lives with her as a primary caregiver. “Now, if I have to go somewhere, someone will still be here.”

Catherine is particularly fond of Becky Gray, who visits her on Thursday nights.

“She’s really a ball of fire, a giggle,” Catherine said. “She has a good sense of humor.”

Another volunteer that Brad appreciated was Elias Watkins. He came by to help Brad clean out two houses and two garages full of many items, but had to stop when he hurt his back.

The person who is responsible for finding volunteers is Maureen Fitzsimmons, volunteer coordinator. After Morris meets with potential clients, he tells Fitzsimmons to seek volunteers.

“We’re blessed with a good number of volunteers,” Morris said. “But, we’re always looking for more.”

Catherine figured out she needed some help after a fall about two years ago. Her son moved home to help her, but it was a difficult task for just one man when she was confined to a bed.

Polio is the cause of Catherine’s problem, a shortness of breath. She had the disease about 55 years ago and, along with scoliosis and her fall, she is now on an oxygen machine.

Since finding Transitions after she and her daughter read about the program, Brad has been able to get more accomplished and gained support by attending a Caregivers Support Group.

“I’d be lost without it (Transitions),” he said. “This (taking care of his mother) is a full time job. You get burnt out. It was helpful to talk with people in the same situation.”

Catherine and Brad said they have noticed an improvement in health since joining Transitions. She will soon be able to visit her sister, Margaret Harris, in Millsboro, and climb the steps leading to her house. She can also see her daughter, who she visited at Christmastime, and walked across her lawn – a big step for her.

“Instead of them coming here, I can now go there,” she said.