August 16, 2016

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. – Knowing that the personal care given to an aging, ill or disabled individual in their homes is some of the most difficult and necessary work happening in our communities, state representative candidate Mike Mathis spent Tuesday morning with caregiver Josephine Warren to “walk-a-day” in her shoes as she cared for Charles Riggs, a survivor of a debilitating stroke.

Charles Riggs suffered a massive stroke in 2009 which has left him unable to care for himself and dependent on caregiver Josephine Warren for most of his needs. Josephine invited Mathis to shadow her as she performed regular duties as a way to show the importance of the work she does at a time when home care givers are threatened by the uncertainty of the state’s budget. By inviting Mathis to “Walk a Day” in her shoes, Josephine shared a true picture of how hard she works as well as an intimate look at the life of an individual who needs care and who would be forced into an expensive and impersonal institution without care at home.
Care giver Josephine Warren said Charles is able to live comfortably in his own home because of the assistance given by home healthcare workers like her.

“It’s unfortunate, in fact, it’s very sad that Rep. Bourne has not voted to protect the services that Charles and others like him are able to receive. We need people like Mike Mathis in Springfield who is willing to walk a day in the shoes of those who are doing the hard work necessary to care for people who really need the help. That’s why I’m happy to support Mike,” she said.