Meet Barbara, One of Our Amazing Clients

Coping with several serious health conditions, Barbara is proud to live on her own at 81 — with some behind-the-scenes help from NewBridge SAIL (Senior Assistance for Independent Living). “Barbara desperately wants to be independent, but is not afraid to ask for help when she really needs it,” said Claudia Mattson, Barbara’s NewBridge SAIL case manager since 2020.

Barbara relies on Claudia for completing paperwork to keep her qualified for rental assistance, to negotiate lower payments on doctor bills, and to ensure she receives other social welfare benefits. Claudia also connected her with in-home mental health counseling.

“Claudia manages everything!” Barbara said in her Parsippany apartment filled with photos of her four adult children and nine grandchildren. In 2023, Claudia signed her up for Medicaid, which also provides her $290 a month for utility bills and food.

“Whenever I have a problem, Claudia always, always, ALWAYS calls me back. She makes my life easier and I love her with all my heart,” she said, tears in her eyes.

On a recent visit, NewBridge SAIL registered nurse Margaret Macrae gave Barbara a checkup, as she does every six weeks. “Margaret is so kind and compassionate, just excellent at her job,” she said.

Barbara worked as a nurse into her 70s until rheumatoid arthritis sidelined her. She underwent three surgeries since 2018 for tongue cancer.

A woman of deep faith, Barbara attends church weekly with a friend. Another church member cleans the apartment and helps with meals. “I’m so blessed to get up each morning to see another day,” she said. “And Claudia, she is my guardian angel. She takes the anxiety away so I can have some peace.”