In a church bulletin three years ago, Monica Marucheau saw something of interest. Her own elderly mother was far away from her, and she really wanted to help more, but with the distance, she found it difficult. Marucheau looked into the Respite Care program at Aging Services and was matched with Tom.

So for three years, Tom, a native of England, and Marucheau met, giving his daughter a break from daily caretaking and giving herself a real friend with whom she could share her love of books, gardening and conversation. She visited once a week for a few hours, sometimes taking him to her beautiful garden, finding things that would remind him of his country of origin. They liked to go to a bakery in Boulder that looked like it could be in England. It was fun to talk about England together, especially since Monica’s son David is studying there, in Chester.

After returning to school for an English degree later in life than is the norm, Marucheau is now a retired teacher/librarian from a career at a Montessori school in Boulder and from Loma Linda Elementary School in Longmont. She says that although at first she was just a friend of Tom’s, she soon became an advocate for him and his daughter.

“Monica was just the right person to help a caregiving daughter find friendship and support for her frail father,” Aging Services program manager Mary Jane Longanecker says. “She helped him find places in Boulder that were reminiscent of his native England, make new acquaintances and keep medical appointments as his health declined. They made a quiet, gentle pair, mutually supported by their heritage and friendship. Monica’s level of devotion and support greatly aided a sandwich-
generation caregiver.”

Tom has now returned to England, and although Marucheau misses him, she knows it was a good decision for him to return there. Working in the Respite Care program was a satisfying, joyful learning and teaching experience for her.

For information about volunteering with Aging Services or other agencies, call the Volunteer Connection at 303-444-4904, or go to our Volunteer Central.