Barbara, Quad Inc. resident, first moved to Quad two years ago when a friend suggested she apply. Barbra was born and raised in the Banks and Buxton area with her two older brothers and two younger sisters, not too far from her current Quad building. Growing up, Barbara was a self-proclaimed tomboy, playing all kinds of sports through school including volleyball, basketball, track, and softball. Barbara went on to have three daughters of her own and three granddaughters.
Upon moving into Quad, Barbara didn’t enroll in the Shared Attendant Care Services but realized she could benefit from Quad’s services. “I am legally blind, with no sight in one eye and limited sight in the other” says Barbara. She also lives with congenital vertical talus (CVT), known as rocker foot, caused by Charcot foot that weakens the bones in the foot. For Barbara, “Using a chair; Quad has been helpful in providing accessibility. Quad’s shared attendant care services has been a learning curve from my personal caregivers, but Quad’s [care] model is what I wanted.”
When asked for advice for someone new moving into Quad, Barbara suggests to residents, “Even if you just need help cleaning your apartment, get the help! And advise the care attendants step by step. Take advantage of Quad’s services.” Since Quad’s services are self-directed, it is important for a resident to communicate their needs and how to meet them.
Barbara’s life advice for anyone willing to listen is “Just do not sweat the small stuff. Smile. If you see someone and they are having a bad day, laughter is the best medicine.”