Neighbor Spotlight: Doug Richmond

Rudy and his wife Florence needed help. They were in their 70's, and Florence had an inoperable brain tumor, causing severe dementia. Rudy was Florence's fulltime caregiver, and couldn't even get out to buy groceries. Rudy was grateful when Doug Richmond, a volunteer with The Center for Volunteer Caregiving, went out to purchase groceries for them every week. Doug soon realized that Rudy needed a break from his fulltime caregiving responsibilities, so he offered to take Rudy along for the outing. Doug's wife, Anita, stayed with Florence so that Rudy would feel comfortable leaving.

Anita found out that Florence enjoyed poetry, so she read to her while Doug and Rudy were shopping. Although Florence had severe dementia, she would sometimes begin reciting passages of poetry with Anita as she read aloud to her. The relationship between The couples deepened over the years until Florence passed away.

Today, over nine years since their relationship first began, Doug still takes Rudy shopping and to lunch every Wednesday. When Doug drops Rudy off at his home after their time together, Rudy tells him, "It's been a good day."

This true story is a wonderful example of how rewarding it is to provide the types of neighbor-to neighbor services offered by The Center's volunteers to elderly and disabled adults in Wake County: Grocery shopping. Transportation. A friendly visit. Respite care. These tasks that many of us take for granted can mean all the difference in someone's dignity, quality of life, and ability to live independently. Thanks to your efforts, elderly and disabled adults across Wake County are having "a good day" because volunteers took time to provide compassionate care.