Group Helps Tulsa Seniors Weather Storm

Rick Wells, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Wintry weather affects thousands of older adults who are trying to be as independent as possible.

Life Senior Services identified some of their most vulnerable clients.

Patty Wilson and Lilli Land are filling bags with a few essential items for some of what they describe as their most vulnerable clients.

"These are people we've telephoned over the course of the last few days to check on them," Land said.

Most older people who live independently have some kind of support system to help, but because of the weather, this group they're shopping for does not.

Everyone is getting bread, milk, and eggs, the basic stuff.

"Keep people as healthy as can be in their own homes and independent for as long as possible, with a little community help," Land said.

Every bag got a toilet paper top off and it was time to go. They told me to make myself useful, we got the bags loaded and off we went.

First stop, Maxine Bruner's apartment.

Maxine said she was snowed in and needed a few things. Life Senior Service took down the list and went shopping.

Maxine told me she'd been passing the time sewing some new curtains for the front windows. We talked a bit about how people don't sew anymore.

She was excited about the groceries. This will get her through the next batch of bad weather, until things get back to normal.

"You're fixed up," Land told Maxine. "I sure am, this is like Christmas in February," Maxine said.

Well, Mrs. Bruner, Merry Christmas.

For others who need help, call 211 and they can tell you what resources are available.

Life Senior Services helps individuals who are having on-going challenges to maintaining their independence.

Their number is 918-664-9000.