Contributed photo Tillie Sparrow of Honesdale enjoys a visit from Julia Foster of Just Julia’s in-home care services. Julia helps Sparrow with bathing, cooking and other household chores as needed. (Click for larger image)

‘Just Julia’ helps seniors stay home

BETHANY — According to statistics, people of 75 years and older are one of the fastest growing segments of the older population. With the increase of years comes the decline in health and mobility and the decision many must face: whether to stay in their own home among comfortable and familiar surroundings, or move to an assisted living or nursing facility. The growing number of in-home services in the area offers seniors the opportunity to make the choice to stay at home.

Originally from Plymouth, England, Julia Foster saw the need for in-home care and is attempting to meet it. Foster recently set up her own business providing seniors with affordable help—available around the clock—in day-to-day activities in their own homes

Foster has licensed practical nurses (LPN’s) and certified nurses’ aides (CNA’s) working with her. Among them is Barbara Roberts, a CNA of Waymart. Clifford ‘Pete’ Tuthill of Honesdale is one of Roberts’ clients.

At 90, Tuthill lives alone in his home above Honesdale, and looks forward to Roberts’ visits each week. She helps him shower, does restorative exercises to keep his legs and feet flexible, and helps out with other projects such as washing windows and replacing curtains. She also brings him appetizing extras to eat.

He says that he appreciates Barbara’s visits and enjoys not only the things she does for him but also the companionship. “She treats me really well,” he says.

“We do a lot of chatting,” Barbara adds. “He has lots of stories to tell me.”

Among Foster’s own clients is Tillie Sparrow of Honesdale. Sparrow uses Just Julia’s services as she needs them. That may include help with bathing and cooking and other household chores. Often the two will just sit together and talk.

“I love company,” says Sparrow who, at 93, is still able to do much of her own cooking. She also paints landscapes and still life scenes that adorn the walls of her house.

Foster coordinates her service with local physicians and is listed in the Information and Referral Program of the Area Agency on Aging. For more information about Just Julia’s 24-hour services, call 570/253-5998.