'We're happy with our ramp': Senior Fund recipients grateful donors extended helping hand

For sisters Rosa and Maria Adame, life had become a series of struggles.

The two sisters live atop a hill in Sunset Heights, where a steep staircase was the only way in or out of their El Paso home.

Maria was battling cancer and lost her left eye because of the chemotherapy therapy. Her son, who works out of town but still tries to care for his mother, contacted the Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging because he was struggling to get his wheelchair-bound mother in and out of the home for doctor's appointments.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Area Agency on Aging Client Services Manager Sandra Gonzalez said she could not meet with Maria in person. Gonzalez had to rely on photos of a homemade ramp in the backyard propped up on cinder blocks and paramedics struggling to move Maria from the house on a gurney after a fall.

Still, Gonzalez went to work to help the Adame sisters.

"I got one of our vendors to come out and give us quotes because, at the time, we were still in COVID, where we couldn't visit," Gonzalez recalled. "So, we were doing everything through the phone."

About that time, Gonzalez learned that Maria shared a home with her sister, Rosa, who has mental illness and limited mobility.

Senior Fund donations at work

The Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging stepped in to help but couldn't cover the complete cost of the project. Reader donations through the Senior Fund helped fill in the money gap.

"We were sort of desperate to help them, so part of the funds came from (Area Agency on Aging) funds, which are through the Texas Department of Health and Human Services," Gonzalez said. "But because we have a cap, whatever we can't cover, the Senior Fund can cover."

The project was more expensive than standard residential repairs, costing $6,500.

"This was more costly because it required a lot more labor, a lot more materials," Gonzalez explained. "So, it was costlier than what we are able to spend."

In the end, however, the group was able to construct a sturdy concrete ramp in the backyard, making it possible for the sisters to get in and out of their home without having to traverse the steep stairs leading out the front door.

"We're very happy with our ramp," Rosa said.

"Otherwise," Maria added, "how do we get out of here?"

Connecting elderly El Pasoans with other services

While the Agency on Aging and the Senior Fund were able to build a ramp for the Adame sisters, the help didn't end there.

"Not only do we help them with this, we can say, 'Do you need assistance with a provider? Let me connect you to this other organization,'" Gonzalez said. "Many times, we find out that not only do they need this, maybe they need diapers, health assistance, dental assistance ... maybe they need transportation to the doctor. So, there are other resources where I can say, 'Let me help you.'"

More: Senior Fund helps Socorro resident live safely in her home

Because of the sisters' condition, they have an in-home caregiver that the Agency on Aging was able to connect them with.

"It's a big impact on a person's life where they can still remain in their homes, somewhat independent, even though they have a provider," Gonzalez said. "But it makes a difference in their quality of life. To me ... I'm sure that quality of life is better because now they can go at least to the doctor."

How you can help

The Senior Fund has helped elderly residents for more than 25 years. It is a partnership between the El Paso Times, the Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging and the United Way of El Paso County.

Residents can donate by visiting unitedwayelpaso.org and clicking the donate button on the home page.

Checks can be made to United Way of El Paso County, designated for the Senior Fund and mailed to 100 N. Stanton St. El Paso, TX 79901.

The Rio Grande Area Agency on Aging coordinates services for those seeking assistance. United Way handles donations, reviews expenses and helps provide transparency on how the funds are used.

For questions about the Senior Fund, particularly how to apply for assistance or donate items related to the profiled seniors, contact the Area Agency on Aging at 915-533-0998.

Adam Powell covers government and politics for the El Paso Times and can be reached via email at apowell@elpasotimes.com

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso Senior Fund steps in to help two sisters in Sunset Heights