Across America, seniors often go without essential medical care, hindered by isolation, lack of transportation and the challenges of finding a doctor or trying to schedule appointments.
For six years, Hope through Housing has addressed this critical need head-on, partnering with nursing students at Cal State San Bernardino to provide weekly checkups for residents of Day Creek Senior Villas – filling a life-threatening gap in our care system.
Each week, the students host health workshops, take residents’ blood pressure and offer essential wellness education – all while working toward their nursing certifications. They even cook up lunches – burgers were on the menu during a recent visit.
For the seniors, the students are familiar faces who bring warmth and genuine care.
“It’s like combining multiple roles together, a nurse practitioner and a friend,” said Jie, an associate professor of nursing at Cal State San Bernardino. “Not only are we providing health education, but we’re also providing meaningful connections, which is equally important in our lives.”
And the residents feel that care deeply.
Charlie, who has lived at Day Creek since it opened in 2020, remembers how the students stepped up during tough times, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
“These nurses coming out here and dedicating their time, I really appreciate it,” Charlie said. “Being on a budget, the help they’ve been able to provide us makes a huge difference and allows me to worry less.”
Jie said the students also learn valuable lessons.
“It’s very rewarding for the students,” Jie said. “It gives them the opportunity to learn about care on a more individualized level. Getting to know the residents helps open their eyes to what care looks like for a senior adult that is living a more independent lifestyle.”
This partnership is part of our Connections to Care initiative, which helps enrich the lives of seniors living below the poverty line. By linking residents to vital resources – like food assistance, rental support, fitness programs and social activities – the initiative combats isolation while promoting health, independence and dignity.
“They’re a fantastic part of our community. Without their support, we wouldn’t have the same sense of family that we do now,” said Claudia Saldivar, service coordinator for Day Creek Senior Villas.