Donor Gifts Help Mindy Enjoy Bath Time Again
We all want our homes to be places of comfort. For people with disabilities, like Mindy Spence, that’s no different. I’m happy to share this story about how a donor-supported home modification helped Mindy get back in her comfort zone.
It took Mindy eight years to reach a comfortable place after moving in with her Home Provider, Arlene Deaner, and her husband, Jon, 25 years ago. At first, she didn’t want to speak up out of fear they wouldn’t want to “keep” her. Arlene was not surprised that Mindy felt that way, given the years of instability she experienced.
Supporting with love, comfort
Mindy was 16 when she was placed in foster care, and as an adult, moved around before eventually ending up with the Deaners. At first, she had violent outbursts, but the couple stuck by her and, as Arlene shared, “loved her through the trauma” until she felt at home.
Arlene believes that’s a big part of her job as a Home Provider—creating a comfortable environment.
“The person coming into your home doesn’t know what it’s going to be like,” she said. “You really have to make them feel like it’s their home because they might be afraid to say, ‘I’m hungry’ or ‘I’d like to take a bath.’”
Delight turns into fear
Once settled, Mindy had no trouble asking to take a bath. Arlene joked that she would take 10 a day if she let her. Daily baths are more than just a routine for Mindy. They are a source of comfort and a safe space for Mindy.
It wasn’t always that way.
“It got to the point where she got really weak and couldn’t help me when I was trying to get her out of the tub,” Arlene said.
Soon, Mindy’s delight in taking her daily bath turned to fear, so Arlene took action. She added handrails and grab bars and purchased a sit-to-stand device to assist, but the seat wasn’t comfortable. Arlene began researching walk-in bathtubs and had one installed earlier this year.
The impact of donor gifts
The installation of the walk-in tub was a big investment, financially, but Arlene knew it would be a great way to honor the memory of her husband, Jon, who died from cancer. Insurance money and donor gifts helped fund the project.
“Jon and Mindy were very close, and on the night of his passing, she was there holding his hand; she loved him to pieces,” Arlene said. “I was blessed beyond measure to have him in my life and continue to be blessed beyond measure to have Mindy in my life.”
She said she’s also blessed to have the support of Mosaic staff and donors in making this life-enhancing modification for Mindy a reality.
“She doesn’t have a fear of taking a bath; it’s one of her favorite things to do again,” Arlene said, noting she was hesitant at first, but once she got used to it, Mindy was back to enjoying her happy place.
You can help others like Mindy
There are more people like Mindy who want to enjoy their daily routines. Mosaic donors helped make this happen. Please consider making a gift today, because there will always be people like Mindy who want a comfortable place to call home. I hope you feel joy in knowing how you make a difference in people’s lives.
Here’s a video featuring Mindy and Arlene.