Looking at them separately, it seems that aging-related services are a patchwork of small programs; but when these services are employed in unison to help solve the needs of an aging parent, friend, or neighbor – aging-related services seem expertly sewn together like a beautiful quilted patchwork blanket.

Margaret was in charge of the quilting club at the senior center years ago. She and the other club members would sew for customers who waited for months to have their squares of cloth patched together and quilted.

She was a good leader and an expert at hand-quilting blankets and comforters. Her stitches were so small and close together they looked machine made. Her stitch work was the envy of the entire club.

Margaret helped the others with their stitch work and many of them told me how their own work had improved with Margaret’s pointers and encouragement. Even new club members with very little experience were welcomed by Margaret and shown how to stitch to meet the club’s lofty standards.

I remember once when Margaret stayed late into the afternoon, well after the others had departed for the day. One of her new quilt club members had not sown well that day and Margaret was busily removing the odd-looking stitches and replacing them with her own beautifully spaced ones. She wanted the quilts to look their best for their customers.

A few years ago, Margaret fell ill and quit the club. I learned later that she needed help in her home in order to remain there independently. When I visited her one day she told me of the myriad of aging-related services and providers who help her with everyday activities. She felt helpless, but grateful that she had so much help.

The various services and providers arranged on her behalf reminded me of Margaret’s wonderfully quilted blankets and comforters. When the quilting material first came to her it consisted of individual squares of cloth, and batting, not yet taking shape as a quilt. But with her expertise, this patchwork of cloth was sewn together to form a beautifully finished comforter. Margaret’s in-home services and providers were like her comforters, they came together to provide her with support and comfort during her illness.

Margaret is gone now, but the quilts she created are still around. Almost all of her friends and neighbors still have at least one quilted blanket or comforter which Margaret helped make. They are reminders of how much she loved to quilt and how much the others loved her and her patchwork of cloth she so expertly sewed together.

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