Staying Home: Carol’s Story of Care and Commitment

At 83, Carol Borko faced a challenge familiar to many as they age—how to remain in the home she loved while adapting to changing mobility needs. As a member of Nonotuck’s shared living program in Worcester, Carol had built a life in the home she shared with her caregiver, Yaa Yeboah. But when Nonotuck and the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) shared concerns about her ability to navigate the stairs safely, questions arose about her safety in the home.

Leaving her home of seven years was never an option. “They love Carol; she is a part of their life.  They’re so nice to her, so kind to her,” says Nonotuck Program Director Dylan Zukowski, who works with Yaa and Carol. “They do such a good job supporting Carol. She’s become a part of their home, as well as their extended family. Moving her was never realistically discussed. Yaa said, ‘We will do whatever it takes to keep her here. That’s her home; that’s where she’s going to be.’”

DDS stepped up and provided financial support, while the remaining money needed for the chairlift was covered by Nonotuck’s Gift Giving Fund. Nonotuck’s Gift Giving Fund exists through the generous donations of friends and staff at Nonotuck. The Fund provides life-enhancing resources such as adaptive equipment for homes, technology like computers and tablets, opportunities for vacations, and financial relief for unexpected medical expenses. Beyond these personal supports, the fund also extends assistance to families facing difficult times, helping with hardships such as funeral costs and relocation.

Yaa says the stairlift brings peace of mind. “It’s a great help now and it’s a big improvement,” she says. “Carol navigating the stairs was my biggest fear. Now we don’t have that issue anymore, and I’m so happy.” 

The result is a shared living arrangement that is able to thrive today and into the future. “Carol is such a joy. She really is the sweetest person. She has a sister and brother-in-law who are close. They’re older and have been supportive to us and to Carol,” Dylan says. “As she has aged and her supports have changed, there’s been nothing that the provider and Nonotuck couldn’t handle.”

“We’ll do everything to keep her there,” he adds.