Now You Are My Sister
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Olga Fedorova
Team Cliff & Vi
Diana Compton, 77, and Debbie Vincent, 69, are more than friends. When Diana’s last living sister, Norma, passed away, she moved into Willow Brooke Assisted Living Facility. “It’s sad,” she said of having to leave her home. “But I couldn’t manage on my own. I was afraid of falling and hurting myself.” The transition to an assisted living facility could have meant the end of her daily routines and community ties. Instead, Debbie stepped in. Nearly every morning, she picks Diana up and brings her back to the salon where they first met fifteen years ago. The two bonded over a shared love of beauty and fashion and have been close ever since.
Caring for people comes naturally for Debbie. “Diana told me several times, ‘I wish you were my sister,’” says Debbie. “And then when her sister passed away, she said, ‘Now you are my sister.’ And I said, ‘Yes, I am.’” Their story is about more than friendship. It’s about aging alone and how communities can step in to provide the care and kinship that family once did.
Diana Compton, 77, rests in her room as she watches television at Willow Brooke Assisted Living in Union. Diana moved to the assisted living facility after her sister’s passing five weeks ago.
Diana watches television in her room. She enjoys dramas, mysteries and westerns, especially her favorite western series, "The Rifleman."
Debbie Vincent, 69, helps Diana to her car before giving her a ride back to the assisted living facility. The pair spends most weekdays together, shopping, eating lunch or simply hanging out in Vincent’s hair salon
Debbie covers Diana's eyes while setting her hair with hairspray on at J F Hair Co in Union. Both women express themselves through their style.
Debbie helps Diana into her Jeep as they head to lunch at White Rose Cafe in Union. Diana has mobility issues and was recently diagnosed with diabetes.
Diana shares a laugh with a staff member at Willow Brooke Assisted Living. “Everyone who works here is very nice,” said Debbie.
Diana works on her book of word games as Debbie tends to clients at R F Hair Co. Diana also enjoys adult coloring books.
Debbie shampoos Diana's hair before cutting and setting it at her station. Debbie has been styling Diana's hair for free for many years.
Diana gets some exercise as she walks the corridors athe assisted living facility. Diana moved out of the home she shared with her sister to move into the facility. “It’s sad," Diana said. "But I could not manage by myself.”
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