Rediscovering Joy: How Support Helped Sharon Thrive

Since beginning Personal Assistance Services with accessAbilities in 2008, 62-year-old Sharon has experienced life-changing support that has helped her regain independence and confidence. Living with a diagnosis that affects her mobility and motor control, each day presents new challenges. “With my diagnosis, my body doesn’t allow me to do things, and I don’t know until I wake up in the mornings what it will allow me to do,” Sharon shared. “The worst challenge is that I drop everything. It’s hard not having control of my body movements.” Early on, Sharon also struggled with speech, but through persistence and therapy, she successfully retrained her cognition and improved her communication. One of her greatest milestones came with the difficult decision to accept help. “It was hard for me to give up my pride and privacy and accept that I needed help,” she said. “Since having accessAbilities, I can take walks and do gardening outside my apartment. I am able to live my life to the fullest.” Sharon credits her progress to the dedicated staff who support her, especially her case supervisor, Tina, who assists with scheduling and resolving issues, and her attendant Dee, whose calm, reassuring presence helps Sharon stay grounded and focused each day. Grateful for the continued support, Sharon shares, “I can enjoy life in my home, be with my cats, and have a normal life and be the best that I can be.”

At 64 years old, Dianna radiates joy and independence, something she credits to the compassionate care and support she receives through accessAbilities Personal Assistance Services.

Before joining the program in May 2020, Dianna faced daily challenges that made it difficult for her to do the things she loved. Simple outings or favorite activities often felt out of reach. But with the help of her dedicated caregivers, Jaime and Sue, Dianna rediscovered her ability to live fully and independently.

“Without my workers, Jaime and Sue, it would be hard for me to get out and do the things that I enjoy and love to do,” Dianna shares warmly. “I love both of my girls; I could never choose which one is better. They are both great to me.”

With their encouragement and dependable support, Dianna has gained the confidence to stay active, participate in her community, and enjoy each day on her own terms. Her story is a beautiful reminder that true independence often begins with the right support system and the caring people who make it possible.

“I enjoy my services with accessAbilities very much,” Dianna says. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without my wonderful girls, Jaime and Sue.”

Through accessAbilities, Dianna has not only received the help she needs, she’s also built lasting relationships that empower her to live life with joy, dignity, and purpose.

At 88 years old, Ann is a picture of quiet strength and gratitude. Like many elderly people, she faces the challenges that often come with aging, limited mobility, fatigue, and the struggle of doing once-simple tasks. But thanks to the support she receives from accessAbilities, Ann continues to live life on her own terms, surrounded by the comfort and memories of the home she loves.

Ann began receiving Personal Assistance Services in May 2022. Over time, her caregivers have become more than just helpers; they’ve become part of her extended family. “Pretty much everything I do, I need a little help with,” Ann shares with a warm smile. “Shopping, cooking, cleaning, companionship, transportation, I can’t do as much as I did, but with their help, I can still live my life.”

Before she had assistance, even getting up from a chair or resting on the couch was a challenge. For Ann, these moments were reminders of how much she valued her independence and how important it was to find the right kind of support, one that respected her needs and her desire to remain at home.

That’s where accessAbilities stepped in. With two dedicated caregivers, Pearl and Marie, Ann has found the balance of care and companionship she needed. “Marie helps me with grocery shopping and transportation, while Pearl provides more companionship,” she explains. “They make my days brighter and keep me company when I need it most.”

Ann’s goal was simple yet deeply meaningful: to remain in her home, living safely and comfortably. “I can’t say I’ve achieved any milestones since I’m not getting better with age,” she says with a touch of humor, “but I am very happy to have achieved the goal of staying in my home with the help I receive from accessAbilities.”

For Ann, that help represents more than physical support; it’s peace of mind. “With the help I get from accessAbilities, I can still have a life and keep a little independence. I don’t have to worry about depending on my family all the time,” she shares. “I’m blessed to have them. My family has always taken care of me, and that’s why I’m still around.”

Ann’s story is one of love, resilience, and gratitude, a testament to how compassionate care can make aging not just manageable, but meaningful. Through accessAbilities, she continues to live each day with comfort, confidence, and the independence she treasures.