HACKENSACK UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
HOME CARE CLIENT TURNS 100

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Although she just turned 100 years old, Lela Green of Hackensack can still stand tall, hear, see, and, best of all, laugh. About 100 of Ms. Green's friends and neighbors turned out for a party held in her honor recently - where she received gifts, a huge birthday card, and bouquets of flowers that decorated every table in her living room the next day.

Ms. Green, who lives alone and is in generally good health, receives home health services from Hackensack University Medical Center Home Health Agency through the auspices of the Peer Grouping Program funded by the Bergen County Department of Human Services. Three days a week, Ms. Green's home health aide, Ileen Burke of Hackensack, helps her with shopping, cooking and personal care.

Hackensack University Medical Center's Home Health Agency recently marked the occasion when one of their clients celebrated her 100th birthday. From left: Home Health Aide Ileen Burke of Hackensack, 100-year-old Lela Green of Hackensack, and Sue Panek, nursing supervisor..

Ms. Burke says that although Ms. Green should always use her cane, she prefers instead to carry it on her arm, like a pocketbook -- especially if she's in a hurry. Ileen says Ms. Green has her good days and her bad, has a good sense of humor, and likes to talk about the old days. Ms. Green's favorite television shows include "Montel Williams" and "Mother Love"

Ms. Green is the only surviving member of her family, outliving her siblings, her husband and her only son. Born in Kershaw County, South Carolina, Ms. Green said she has wonderful memories of her childhood and family life. "We did everything together," she said. "We ate together, played together, and prayed together."She moved to Hackensack in 1929, and was employed as a factory and domestic worker until she retired "about ten years ago." When asked if she ever drove, she replied, "Yes, a horse and buggy."