Partners In Care Is Dedicated To Senior Community

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Partners In Care Is Dedicated To Senior Community

By Haley Weisgerber

For many seniors, becoming dependent on others is the hardest part about growing old. That is why Barbara Huston, Maureen Cavaiola and Sandy Jackson founded Partners In Care in 1993.

Partners In Care is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving the independence of aging adults and seniors within the community. With offices in Anne Arundel County, Frederick County and Easton, Partners In Care strives to improve senior care on a state level.

“It is so important for seniors to age in place and in their own homes,” said Mandy Arnold, Partners In Care president and chief executive officer (CEO).

The volunteer-based organization offers handyman services, non-emergency transportation, advocacy and resource assistance, and more. Every week, Partners In Care sponsors more than 559 senior interactions. Members help with everything from a leaky faucet to friendly visits, friendly phone calls that reduce social isolations, and transitioning from a hospital visit. Seniors receive the care they need without having to leave their home or count on a stranger.

Partners In Care is a volunteer-based, time-exchange system where all members are asked to share their gifts and talents to take care of one another,” said Arnold. “We are unique and no other organization is like Partners In Care.”

An extension of their community service to assist with their financial sustainability is the famous Partners In Care Upscale Resale Boutique. The boutique provides 40% of the unrestricted revenue needed for the senior care programs. Everything that is sold in the boutique is donated by the community. The Anne Arundel County location is currently expanding to include a year-round fine jewelry section.

Arnold, who has been with the organization for four years, said she knew from a young age that senior care was important to her.

“I’ve had a passion for the care of seniors ever since I was a child from being around my grandmother and her friends,” said Arnold. “I love hearing the history and their stories.”

Arnold went into nursing to care for seniors, but after seeing the way they were treated by some health care professionals, she decided to work in health care administration, where she had more of an impact in changing to respectful and dignified care.

“It’s extremely difficult to find funding to provide for seniors,” said Arnold. “I am constantly competing with all the other organizations that support the homeless, children (our future), and the opioid crisis, which I fully understand — I am a mother and my child is my world. I had a sister that died of an overdose. So, I get it. But what I have to ask the county, businesses, agencies and our community is, ‘Why do they think it’s OK to disregard and disrespect the individuals that paved the way for you and I to be here today?’ They didn’t have technology, they worked hard. They earned their dignity and respect. Just because we start to move a little slower doesn’t mean we no longer matter.”

In her time at Partners In Care, Arnold said she is most proud of the organization's impact and growth throughout the community.

“I am truly blessed and honored to have been chosen as the president and CEO to take Partners In Care into the next generation,” said Arnold. “I love what I am doing and how we are making a difference every day.”

Partners In Care is always looking for volunteers and donations. To learn more, visit www.partnersincare.org, call 410-544-4800 or stop by 8151-C Ritchie Highway in Pasadena.

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