Barbara and her sister have lived together for over 18 years, since moving into their mom’s house to act as her caregivers. And even once their time as caregivers had ended, they knew they wanted to keep living together.
“When we lost our mom, we just felt that we weren’t going to live separately with two houses and two utilities,” Barbara said. “And we get along great, so it just made sense. There’s nothing, nothing like a sister. But we’re getting up there in age… [both in their 70s]”
The pair noticed things around their home that needed help. And while they weren’t able to fix the problems themselves, they also weren’t major enough to call a repairman.
“We didn’t really have any other options for having the issues fixed. But we heard from a friend that Home Repairs had helped them with something,” she said.
After filling out the help application, the Home Repairs team came out to install a grab bar in the shower, keeping the sisters that much safer in their home.
“We both have trouble with our backs, so it’s just at the place where we can no longer even attempt to get on the ladder,” she said. “And the volunteers were very nice, very helpful, very polite; I can’t say enough about them.”
A little while later, another need arose.
“After 13 years or so of working, the lightbulb in the garage just gave out and needed to be changed,” Barbara said.
And after giving HRM a call, what seemed like just a possibility turned out to be a perfect fit for a quick fix.
“They were able to come out the next day to help us,” Barbara said. “It just so happened that they were to be out in our area doing a repair.
“We would have had to get up on a ladder to replace the bulb, which they did. And they also went up into our attic and helped change the air conditioner filter.”
Repairs like these are small to some, but for the Tyminskis, they mean more than just a replaced bulb or filter. It means connection. Care. Family.
“Neither one of us is married, and we don’t have any children to help us. It’s just a nice feeling of comfort that there’s someone you know who actually cares. You don’t feel so stranded,” Barbara said.
“They were so polite and efficient; they were just as good as having a husband or a brother [there to help], especially when you’re on the very cautious side. But we have a feeling of family [with them].
“I just want to express our gratitude for all that they do; they’re just wonderful, wonderful people.”