DPSS News Sept Oct 2020

Caregiver Brings Community and Hope to Corona Man A disabled Corona man now has running water and a functioning home for the first time in years thanks to a caregiver’s big heart, community connections and a collaboration with Adult Protective Services (APS). Diane Long, who runs a manicure business, became a part-time In-Home Supportive Services caregiver to earn extra money when the COVID-19 pandemic began. Back in April, Long says she was stunned to learn about Dana White’s circumstances. Her actions brought a community together and helped change White’s life. “I knew I had to do something,” Long said. White, 53, has health problems and limited income due to disabilities. He was living in his parent’s former home with no running water for four years. Natural gas services were shut off, too. A nurse providing wound care for White shared her concerns with Long. Long called Protective Services for help. White’s case is one of 15,000 investigations of adult abuse and neglect that APS conducts annually in communities spanning Riverside County’s 7,300 sq. mile. Long shared White’s story with customers from her business. They chipped in to help. So did APS. In April, APS and the Office on Aging replaced White’s toilets, faucets and faulty plumbing in his home. Long’s customers, who are involved in various civic groups, volunteered to fix electrical outlets, install ceiling fans and landscaped White’s yard.

Long and APS social worker Pamela Lopez also contacted the city of Corona and a utility company to get the gas back on and water flowing again. White was recently able to enjoy his shower for the first time in years. “Clean, running water is good,” White said. “It’s really great. I’m grateful.” Long believes White has more hope now that his home is functional. “He got really hopeless and kind of gave up on life,” she said. Lopez, the APS social worker, says the effort to improve White’s quality of life a n d h i g h l i g h t s t h e p o w e r o f partnerships. She applauded Long and the community for taking action when they saw a neighbor in need of help. “Various partners such as IHSS, Office on Aging, Inland Empire Health Plan and volunteers all came together to make this happen,” Lopez said. “Ms. Long played a crucial role to coordinate help for Mr. White quickly.” These days Long cares for White 25-30 hours per week by cooking, assisting with medication, errands and cleaning his home. “I’m a caregiver at heart,” she said. “God seems to place me with people who need the help and I’m glad to do it.”

“ Diane Long stands out, and she has gone above and beyond for Mr. White. ” Jimmy Nguyen, Adult Protective Services supervisor

PAGE 2

RIVERSIDE COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SOCIAL SERVICES