Changing a life with $1.25
Meet Ritchie
Ritchie was a participant at Ascension Living Alexian PACE in Chattanooga, Tennessee, until a dementia diagnosis brought him to live at Ascension Living Valley Residence. He was in his seventies and had almost nothing to his name. Most of his furniture was donated to him by Valley Residence.Ritchie had overcome several life challenges with an unshakeable faith and a desire to help others. So it was no surprise that he quickly became active in the community’s social groups and activities. For Wendy, Valley Residence’s executive director, Ritchie is the extra set of hands that so often helps her bring in boxes of supplies.
“One of the things that makes my day is I love to hear him laugh,” Wendy said. “He laughs all the time.”
Duke the dog
While gathering materials for upcoming activities at a local thrift store, Wendy happened upon a plush toy of a dog for $1.25. It made her think of Ritchie.“When I brought it to him, I said, ‘Ritchie, I’ve got a dog that I can’t take care of. Will you take care of it?’” Wendy recalled. “He took that dog and that man smiled the entire day.”
“Duke the dog” (a name Wendy improvised on the spot) became a companion of sorts for Ritchie. When passing his room, Wendy often heard Ritchie talking to Duke about his day, about God, even about things that troubled him.
Since then, Duke has gotten a girlfriend, with whom he has had three puppies. Wendy may have had something to do with that.
"Ritchie's been so full of smiles,” Wendy said. “I'll ask him how Duke is and he'll say. ‘He's fine and the rest are, too.’”
Giving back what was lost
Wendy knows how much the dementia process takes away; she sees it every day. But she’s also seen what a difference it can make to have something to hold onto, something to care for, something to call one’s own.“To be able to give this man something back that he had lost — or I don't even know that he ever had — with a toy that some kid didn’t need anymore? If I could spend $1.25 on every resident and make that kind of difference in their lives, I would.”
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About us
Ascension Living, based in St. Louis and part of Ascension, is a mission-driven senior living provider deeply connected to our Catholic faith that cares for the physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being of all individuals we serve. Our Mission calls us to provide spiritually centered, holistic care to seniors, particularly those most in need. We offer a wide range of programs tailored to meet the unique needs of older adults. Regardless of everyone’s stage in life, our goal is to provide seniors with opportunities designed to make their lives joyful, enriching and satisfying. With locations in eight states and the District of Columbia, our ministries are continually developing and adopting new best practices in care that enhance the experiences of our residents, program participants and patients. Learn more at www.ascensionliving.org.