Young at Heart 

Frank is one of those guys who is good at mechanical things. When he was young and living with his mom, he put that talent to work. He figured out how to fix lawnmowers, bicycles, and cars. He worked on them in their garage and patio. It was a hobby he enjoyed, plus people paid him for his efforts. He also earned money mowing lawns. When he got older, he worked at McDonald’s and had a job helping deliver meat to restaurants.

Now in his late 70s, Frank lives at Rushpointe and attends Osage Monday through Friday. He may be older, but Frank isn’t one to sit around and watch the world go by. In fact, he says, “I feel like a young puppy!” When? “Most of the time.” He really enjoys going on outings. The lead trainer at Osage reports that, “He’s willing to go anywhere any time.” He will go on outings even if he doesn’t care what they’ll see. His favorite places to shop for tools are Menards and Big Lots. Sometimes, they go to a mall where he’s satisfied just to window shop.

His staff at the Osage program are fond of Frank. “He’s just been awesome, always willing to help others.” Frank says he’s the only member of his family who’s still alive. He feels close to his staff, as life hasn’t always been easy going for him. Nineteen years ago, Frank moved into a group home the week a new staff member started working at KETCH. She recalled that his mom had died, and he was supposed to be able to stay and live in his childhood home, but that didn’t work out.

On that staff’s first day of work, she found him lying flat on his back on his bed with his hands laced together on his chest. She was told that Frank wasn’t happy to be there; he hadn’t eaten and wouldn’t open his eyes. He wanted to die. On the new staff’s second day, she brought him a milkshake. He peeked at her when she offered it to him but didn’t respond. On her third day, she brought him a shake again. This time, with his eyes still closed, he slowly reached for the shake. On the next day, he was sitting up and waiting for her.

With continued care from his staff during the day and at home, Frank smiles, enjoys life, and has a healthy appetite! In fact, he even watches cooking shows on TV. When asked why (because he doesn’t cook), he says, “Because I LOVE food.”

The care and support that KETCH employees give persons served improves all of their lives, and in Frank’s case, it gave him the will to live and the ability to feel like a young puppy! He even takes an opportunity to pass it on. When asked if he has any words of wisdom for the younger crowd, Frank says, “Stay active. Do things while you can!”