Meet Our Amazing Clients Mila and Luis

When Luis suffered a massive heart attack on his postal route 22 years ago, his wife, Mila, became his primary caretaker. She has since tended her husband of 47 years through a heart transplant and numerous serious ailments.

In 2021, as she faced her own health problems, Mila reached out for help to care for her husband. The Morris County Office on Aging, Disabilities & Veterans connected her with NewBridge Services, and the couple’s support system took shape.

Adrienne Sauer, their first case manager with NewBridge Senior Assistance for Independent Living (SAIL), helped obtain 14 hours a week of caregiver services and medical equipment for Luis through Veteran’s Affairs.

“Adrienne went right into helping mode,” said Mila . She hadn’t known her husband’s two years in the Army during the Vietnam War qualified him for benefits.

Claudia Mattson took over as case manager when Sauer became Mila ’ counselor. Mattson helped the couple secure a break on their heating bills, as well as another nine hours of caregiver services. When Mila had to be hospitalized, Mattson assisted their 19-year-old granddaughter, Julianna, in applying for and receiving temporary 24-hour care for her grandfather.

“When we need help, Claudia springs into action,” Mila said, calling Mattson a hero. “All she needs is
a cape!”

Through weekly counseling sessions with Adrienne, “I found out I deserve to take care of myself, without guilt,”
the 65-year-old said. After each Zoom session, “I feel rejuvenated. NewBridge is very healthy for me!”

Mila and Luis, 78, said they don’t know what they would do without NewBridge SAIL. “Claudia and Adrienne are always right there for us, like family,” she said.