Wish List: Fifty-Four Local Seniors Seek Help With Basic Necessities

After a life of giving back to others through her nursing career, Martha Davis now needs a little help herself to get through the holiday season. 

Davis, who is 75, lives alone in a secluded area outside of Chehalis with her closest neighbor living a mile away. 

She has several health issues including diabetic retinopathy and is on a limited income. Although she receives help from her daughter and a caregiver, this holiday season Davis needs extra assistance to help keep her warm with the bouts of cold weather sure to hit the area.

As part of the annual Wish List program, promoted by the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging, Davis is one of 54 clients who are looking for help with less emergent needs. Some people are asking for warm clothing and pet care, while Davis is seeking firewood, blankets and a gift card to Walmart to help purchase some basic necessities, among a few other items. 

Originally from the south, Davis was a licensed nurse in three different states. She moved to the Lewis County area about 5 1/2 years ago to be closer to her daughter. She planned to retire in the area, but due to her impending health problems which forced her out of work, she was ineligible to receive retirement benefits. 

Instead she began taking early Social Security payments. 

“(I’m asking for) whatever gets me through,” she said. “I live paycheck to paycheck. I’m just barely making it, but I am making it, thank God.”

She has been on food stamps for 6 to 7 months and was able to obtain medical care when she turned 66. 

The 75-year-old said the Wish List was important for herself, and others like her, because it helps in a time of great need.

“I’ve never had to live like this before,” Davis said, elaborating on her struggles to ration out her limited income to get by on a daily basis. “I used to take care of people and I didn’t appreciate it until I had to be on my own and live paycheck to paycheck, month to month. It’s hard to do and I bet (the Wish List) is important for anybody on it.”

According to Seriny Kunz, information and assistance specialist for the agency, there are a lot of clients that need assistance. The agency tries to get help for the clients that have no support system. 

“It is very difficult for our clients to get basic necessities living on a very limited income with no support system in place,” she said. “The Area Agency on Aging’s Wish List program gives some seniors the opportunity to request basic necessity items that they may otherwise not be able to obtain due to finances or in some cases physical limitations.” 

Kunz said the program is a good reminder for everyone to give back to the community. Without the generosity and support from the local community, the clients seeking help may not get their personal needs met, she said. 

Along with the other items Davis is asking for, she would also like an assistive reading device or large print material to help pass the time in her sequestered home. Because of her battle with diabetes, she has limited sight. Although she had surgery to correct her vision problems, she still has a hard time reading anything with small print.

“It makes it hard; I get upset because I can’t see how to read things even with a magnifier,” she said. 

Another struggle Davis deals with is monitoring her blood sugar on a fixed income because she is unable to afford healthier foods.

“Budget foods are all carbohydrates. It’s not good for diabetes, but I try to do the best I can,” she said. 

Davis is still able to walk and is able to feed her fireplace with the help of a tote she uses to haul in wood. A caregiver also providers her assistance three times a week. 

Although unable to work, she said she still dreams of working and misses it. Before she worked as a nurse for 25 years, Davis worked in factories, and in a detox center, among other ventures. 

What she is asking for may not seem like much to others, but to Davis it would mean the world.

“It would really be a lifesaver,” she said.

Specific Needs

The information on clients below was provided by the Lewis-Mason-Thurston Area Agency on Aging.

Client No. 1 — is a man in his late 20s. He is a paraplegic that has several other health concerns. He would like assistance with Hollister Adhesive Spray that is not covered under his medical insurance. Hollister Adhesive Spray can be ordered through Halls or online.    

Client No. 2 — is a man in his 60s who lives on a fixed income and has several medical issues including seizure disorder. Client wishes for a reacher, blanket, electric blanket, twin sheet set or Walmart gift card to purchase these items.

Client No. 3 — is a woman in her late 70s who lives alone on a limited income. She is struggling with cancer and wishes for a gift card to Good Health Nutrition Center or Walmart to purchase household items and essential oils for management of pain and health issues.

Client No. 4 — is a man in his late 50s who is a double amputee and lives alone on a fixed income. He has several health issues including diabetes. He wishes for a gift card to Walmart or Safeway to help purchase clothing and household necessities. 

Client No. 5 — is a man in his 70s who lives with his wife. He has advanced dementia and other health issues. He requires an altered diet to help reduce his risk for choking and aspiration. His wife is seeking assistance with the purchase of Simply Thick Brand food thickener which can be purchased from Amazon or a gift card to Amazon so that his wife can purchase it on his behalf. 

Client No. 6 — is a man in his 60s that lives alone and has very few resources. He has seizure disorder and other health issues. He is requesting assistance with basic household items. He would like a gift card to Walmart for the purchase of these basic necessities.

Client No. 7 — is a man in his early 70s that has several medical conditions including Parkinson’s. He lives alone with no available support. He wishes for a gift card to Sunbirds or Walmart to buy basic necessities. 

Client No. 8 — is a developmentally disabled woman in her early 60s. She lives with her husband who is also receiving care in the home for his health issues as well. She would appreciate the gift of a microwave and a Walmart gift card for food items. 

Client No. 9 — is a woman in her 70s who has several health issues including diabetic retinopathy. She is on a limited income and lives alone with her furry companion. She wishes for dog food, an assistive reading device or large print material, blankets, wood and a gift card to Walmart to help purchase some of the basic necessities.

Client No. 10 — is a woman in her 60s who lives alone with her cat and is on a limited income. She has several health issues that limit her abilities. She has no consistent informal support to help her so she is requesting assistance with wood, cat food and puzzles (500+pieces).

Client No. 11 — is a woman in her early 50s who is living on a limited income. She has several health issues that limit her ability to do many daily activities. She would be grateful for any kind of assistance during this holiday season with gift cards to any store to help with basic necessities. 

Client No. 12 — is a woman in her late 70s living alone. She does not have any family in the area to help and has several health issues that limit her ability to do many daily activities. She enjoys rescuing cats in the area that are in need of a home. She would like assistance with Purina Complete Cat Chow or a gift card to Walmart. 

Client No. 13 — is a woman in her late 70s. She was in a car accident that left her with several fractures that are slowly healing. She is currently using a wheelchair and has no family in the area to assist her. She would be grateful for assistance with any gift cards to help her with basic household items.

Client No. 14 — is a woman in her 50s who lives alone. She has several health issues that impact her ability to do daily activities. She would be grateful for a gift card to help with some of the basic necessities.  

Client No. 15 — is a woman in her 70s who is a cancer survivor. She lives alone and on a limited income. She would appreciate any assistance with gift cards to help her purchase basic necessities. 

Client No. 16 — is a woman in her late 50s who lives on a limited income. She lives alone and has limited informal support to help her. She would be grateful for a gift card to help with food and basic necessities during this holiday season.

Client No. 17 — is a woman in her late 80s who lives alone. She has several health concerns including macular degeneration. She stays home most of the time as it is very difficult for her to ambulate. She loves to listen to music and would greatly appreciate the gift of a CD player and a gift card to Walmart to purchase music. 

Client No. 18 —is a woman in her 60s who is living on a limited income. She has several health issues that impact her ability to do many daily activities. She would be grateful for an electric skillet and gift card to help with basic household items during this holiday season, including a holiday meal.

Client No. 19 — is a man in his late 50s who lives with his teenage daughter. They are living on a limited income. Client has several health issues that limit his ability to do many daily activities. He would appreciate a gift card to Kmart or Walmart to help out with the holiday season. 

Client No. 20 — is a woman in her 40s who has a brain injury. She lives alone and has a limited income. She would be grateful for a gift card to Walmart for groceries, a holiday meal, and help with her utility bill. 

Client No. 21 — is a man in his 70s who lives alone and is paralyzed from the waist down. He has several health concerns that impact his daily living activities. He enjoys making wooden toys for children. He would appreciate a gift card to Home Depot and flannel lined polyester pants (size 36). 

Client No. 22 — is a woman in her 60s who lives on a limited income. She has several health issues including heart failure that impact her daily living activities. She would be grateful for a gift card to Walmart to purchase groceries, holiday meal and basic necessities. 

Client No. 23 — is a man in his late 40s who has several health concerns. He is living on a limited income and would appreciate a gift card to Walmart to purchase basic necessities. 

Client No. 24 — is a woman in her late 60s that is living on a very limited income. She has several medical issues that impact her daily living activities. She would be grateful for a gift card to Walmart for basic necessities.

Client No. 25 — is a woman in her 60s that lives on a limited income. She is in need of hearing aids. She would be grateful for assistance with hearing aids through the Starkey Foundation Hear Now program. 

Client No. 26 — is a man in his late 60s who requires a wheelchair. He has several health concerns that impact his ability to perform regular activities. He would be grateful for a gift card to Walmart for basic necessities during this holiday season.

Client No. 27 — is a woman in her late 50s that has several health concerns which are impacting her daily living activities. She would be grateful for a gift card to Walmart for groceries and basic necessities this holiday season. 

Client No. 28 — is a woman in her 50s that is living on a limited income. She is in need of a pair of multi-focal glasses that are not covered by her vision subsidy. Multi-focal lens and frame can be purchased from Lewis County Eye and Vision. 

Client No. 29 — is a woman in her 60s who lives alone with her cat. She has heart and lung medical issues. She requires a wheelchair so she is unable to reach items in her freezer. She would be grateful for the purchase of an upright freezer (Sears Kenmore Model No. 46-20502) or a gift card to Sears towards the purchase. 

Client No. 30 — is a man who lives alone and is on dialysis. Client has end stage renal failure and is really on a tight budget. He would be grateful for assistance with a gift card to Walmart for groceries, a holiday meal and to stock up on some winter staples. 

Client No. 31 — is a man that is living alone on a fixed income. He has several health issues including a condition which impacts flexibility and strength in the limbs. He would like assistance with a Safeway gift card to purchase groceries and other basic staples. 

Client No. 32 — is a woman in her 50s that is living with her minor grandchild. She has several medical conditions including a stroke that affected the right side of her body. She would love to receive a Christmas meal, Ninja Blender and a gift card to Walmart for basic toiletries. 

Client No. 33 — is a man with multiple sclerosis. He has a motorized wheelchair but has been unable to use it because he does not have a charger for it. He wishes for a charger for his wheelchair which can be purchased on Amazon.

Client No. 34 — is a man in his 60s that lives with his mom. He is awaiting a transplant and needs to be sure he is taking medications correctly. He wishes for a pill organizer box with a timer. Pill box is a 7 days x 4 large capacity pill box with pill timer which can be found on Amazon for $39.95.

Client No. 35 — is a man in his early 70s who has cerebral palsy and lives alone with his cat. He would appreciate assistance with his medication cream that he cannot afford. He wishes for 12 - 4oz tubes or case of Medline brand calazime zinc oxide protection paste (www.shopmedline.com).

Client No. 36 — is a woman in her 60s who lives alone on a fixed income. She wishes for a gift card to purchase healthy food as well as a Christmas meal from Shop N Kart. 

Client No. 37 — is a woman in her 70s who is on a very limited income living in rural Lewis County. She suffers from several medical conditions. She wishes for pet food (they have dogs, horses, cats, chickens) and a gift card to Walmart. 

Client No. 38 — is a woman in her 50s who has several health issues. She would like a gift card to Walmart to purchase clothes, groceries and other household supplies.

Client No. 39 — is a man who is living on a fixed income with his wife. He was in an accident that injured his back. He needs help with their medical co-pays to see a specialist. 

Client No. 40 — is a woman in her 60s living with her teenage son. She has several health issues that she is trying to manage. She would like a propane heater to help heat her mobile home during the winter months and would also appreciate a small ramp to her trailer. 

Client No. 41 — is a woman in her 70s that is living alone with her small dog. She has a lot of mobility issues and would benefit from a 32 inch, three-pronged Reacher to assist in picking items up. The Reacher can be found at Walgreens for $33.00. 

Client No. 42 — is a woman in her 60s who is on a limited income and lives alone with her dog. She suffered from a stroke and has no informal support to help her. She would be grateful for assistance with a foam mattress topper for a double bed, a handheld shower head and a non—slip shower mat.

Client No. 43 — is a woman in her 60s who is bedbound and has stage 4 Kidney disease. Her daughter has been helping provide care for her. Client would like a new vacuum or gift card to Walmart to purchase one. 

Client No. 44 — is a woman in her early 50s with very bad eyesight due to her cataracts. She would like a gift card to have her hair cut, full-size bed sheets, blankets and a pillow. 

Client No. 45 — is a woman who lives on a limited income. She is a domestic violence survivor. She would be grateful for a gift card to Walmart for new clothes.

Client No. 46 — is a woman in her 50s living with her cat on a limited income. She would like cat food, queen size sheets, blankets and gift card to Walmart for household items.

Client No. 47 — is a woman in her 60s who lives alone and is on a limited income. She has several health issues that limit her ability to do many activities. She loves her cat and is requesting assistance with cat food and litter. 

Client No. 48 — is a woman in her 50s who lives alone. She suffered from a stroke that affected her left side. She would like some help with a lockbox with key pad for her keys so emergency responders are able to assist if needed and she is in need of a leg lifter to assist with getting her left leg into the car. 

Client No. 49 — is a woman who lives alone on a limited income. She has several health conditions that she is trying to manage. She would like a digital scale as she is trying to lose some weight. 

Client No. 50 — is a man who lives alone with no informal support in the area. He has several medical issues including cancer. His roof is in need of repair. He has a friend that can help with the labor but he needs help with the materials. He would be grateful for a gift card from the Morton Hardware store, “Northwest Homes Center,” dog and cat food and queen size sheets.

Client No. 51 — is a woman in her 80s who lives alone and has no family in the area to assist her. She has several medical conditions. She has been losing weight and would like a gift card to Kmart or Walmart for new clothes. She would also like a twin size bed set including sheets. 

Client No. 52 — is a woman that lives alone with her dog. She has several health issues that she is trying to manage. She would appreciate assistance with getting shots at Cascade West Veterinary Hospital, dog food, towels, wash cloths and twin size bed set.

Client No. 53 — is a woman in her 60s who recently lost the majority of her belongings to a house fire. She is also in remission from cancer. She would like a gift card to Walmart to purchase household items that were lost in the fire and a gift card to Safeway for food.

Client No. 54 — is a man who lives with his disabled spouse. He has several medical conditions that he is managing. He would like a gift card to Walmart or Safeway for basic staple items.