Celebrating Older Americans Month: Geri

                                     

When I joined H.O.M.E. after many years of working with youth, Geri was the first resident I became close to. She was salty, funny, and generous in sharing her life experiences. She became my unofficial mentor in my work with older adults. For me, Geri unleashed the power of intergenerational relationships and busting stereotypes about seniors.

Geri moved to H.O.M.E.'s Nathalie Salmon House in September 2006. Her cat was loved by the fifth floor residents with many of them looking forward to his evening walk down the hall as Geri strolled alongside him.

Geri passed away August 2010, not too long after she left the Nathalie Salmon House to enter a long-term care facility. My family and I adopted Geri’s cat Lambchop (also an older adult) and he is a delightful daily reminder of her importance to me.                                                                                                                    

                                                                                                                - Janet Takehara

We want to hear about the Older Americans who have had an impact on your life. Share your story with us and we may feature it on our website and social network sites. Please email your story and photo to Lorena at LorenaA@homeseniors.org.