At almost 86 years old, Elisabeth Wray has no intention of slowing down. Whether she is teaching history part-time at the University of Richmond or writing her latest children’s history book, Elisabeth’s life is active, purposeful and deeply rooted in her own home. To help her maintain this cherished independence, Elisabeth relies on JFS Home Care, which has allowed her to continue living life entirely on her own terms.
A dedicated educator who has been teaching since 1974, Elisabeth is a woman of incredible strength. She has weathered profound personal loss, including the passing of her husband, as well as the heartbreaking loss of a son and a daughter. Following her husband’s death and a major back surgery, she realized she would need a little extra support to manage daily tasks and transportation.
“Once my husband died, I knew I was going to need some help,” Elisabeth said. “I had surgery on my back and I knew I was going to need some help driving. Someone from JFS interviewed me and eventually set me up with a driver.”
For the past two years, JFS has been there to ensure Elisabeth can get wherever she needs to go safely and reliably. From running essential errands to attending medical appointments, the transportation assistance has become a seamless, comforting part of her routine.
“JFS turns up whenever I call and say that I need a driver,” Elisabeth said. “They take me to all my medical and dental appointments. They take me grocery shopping. It’s been awesome.”
For Elisabeth, it isn’t just about the ride—it’s about the people.
“I have had all great drivers,” she said. “There is not one that I have thought about calling JFS and saying to never bring them back again. They’ve been great.”
Looking toward the future, Elisabeth remains fiercely dedicated to her home and her current way of life. She knows that as she gets older, her care needs may evolve, but she already knows exactly who she will turn to when that time comes to expand her services.
“When my physician says to me that I probably shouldn’t be by myself, I am going to have a sit down with somebody from JFS to see what my options are so that I can continue to stay in my own home,” she said. “I am not going to want to leave my home. They will have to drag me out by my feet.”
With JFS by her side, Elisabeth continues to write her own history, living safely, actively and independently in the place she loves most.
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