Meet Betty McInturff, a recent client of Cascade Connections’ Home Care. Betty began services in June of 2023.
Betty began services in June of 2023. And while Betty recently transitioned to a more supportive environment, she and her family had kind words to share about their experience utilizing Cascade Connections’ Home Care. When asked how Home Care services had improved her life, Betty said, “it opened up the whole world for me.” Betty shared that she relied on her Home Care staff, or as she said, “my kids with angel wings,” to help her with daily tasks from household cleaning to transporting her to various scheduled appointments.
Standing powerfully at 90 years old, Betty has lived across the Pacific Northwest from, originally, Vancouver, British Columbia, to Spokane, WA, to Seattle, WA, and settling in Bellingham, where she currently resides. Betty is known as an icon, a mother, a grandmother, a renowned artist, a collector of art, and a compelling advocate for many marginalized communities.
Throughout Betty’s life, she has been a shining example of empathy, kindness, creativity, and Christian ideologies. In 1975, Betty collaborated with the President of the YMCA and started a transportation service for elderly people. Betty hired, trained, and established an organization that provided pick-up and drop-off services throughout eastern Washington. “It was the 3rd largest transportation service in the state of Washington at the time,” Betty said. This service was later adopted in cities across Washington including Bellingham, known locally as WTA. (Whatcom Transportation Authority). Betty will be remembered as a trailblazer in improving accessibility for all people in the state of Washington.
In the 1980s, Betty kept up with her passion for advocacy by becoming involved in the early gay liberation movement. While living in Spokane, Betty participated in activism and spoke out against violence inflicted upon LGBTQ+ peoples, including the youth. “I held a sign with a wooden handle on a park bench after the Pride march with Spokane’s Mayor, Sherri Barnard, that said, ‘we love our gay kids,’ … and why wouldn’t I?” Betty said. Betty continued to show her compassion and empathy for people by using her voice and platform as a community organizer and local advocate.
Like many of Home Care’s clients, Betty was referred to Cascade Connections by her independent provider. From showering to meal preparation, Home Care staff assisted Betty in all of her day-to-day functions. Due to Betty’s arthritis, certain personal care tasks could be challenging for her. A Home Care staff supported Betty’s independence by assisting her in choosing and accessorizing her outfits. Staff would ask what she would like to wear and then help her dress and put on jewelry. “I was able to live a normal life because of you,” Betty said.
Home Care Program Coordinator, River Pieper, enjoyed helping with Betty’s routine hair appointments. River assisted with transportation and ensured Betty arrived at her appointments on time. These shifts were typically about 30 minutes long and involved conversation and mobile support. Thanks to River’s support, she was able to get her hair done without worries of physical labor or travel. Home Care staff also helped Betty with personal and household tasks such as organizing holiday decorations, accessorizing, personal care, shopping, cleaning, cooking, and transferring.
During Betty’s time with Cascade Connections, Betty experienced relief of everyday stresses and challenges. Betty utilized her home care aides to not only ensure her health and safety but support her happiness and enjoyment of life. “Betty is incredibly kind and consistently praised her staff, expressing gratitude during every shift…I enjoyed working with her very much and I know all her staff feel the same,” said Home Care Aide, Lexi Machado. Betty’s team is grateful they were able to facilitate Betty’s independence for as long as possible.
If you or your loved ones are looking for ways to “age in place” consider Cascade Connections Home Care services.
Cascade Connections provides Home Care services to children and adults with development disabilities and seniors throughout Whatcom County. The Home Care management team strategically pairs clients with caregivers whose skillset aligns with the clients’ needs. Clients may have a variety of professional and personal preferences: qualifications, experience level, gender, age, etc. Home Care accommodates these preferences to ensure the client is receiving the highest quality of care. Home Care staff perform a variety of tasks based on a client’s needs and preferences, these including personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, driving, administrative tasks, story-telling, playing board games, and even accompanying an individual on a vacation. Each client’s care plan is tailored to their individual needs, but all Home Care staff are trained and equipped for any task requested by a client.
For more information about our home care, please call us at 360-594-4216.