About Elba

I am the wife of Maryanne’s stepson, and E Julissa was recommended to us by our primary care Dr. Kat. Maryanne moved from San Diego to Portland in February 2025. From that moment on, E Julissa cared for her full‑time. Maryanne suffered from Pulmonary Fibrosis, which required her to be on supplemental oxygen 24/7 constantly adjusting the flow depending on her oxygen saturation. E Julissa assisted her from the moment she woke up, preparing her breakfast, organizing her weekly medications, and keeping everything rigorously structured and documented. She organized and drove her to all her appointments, medical visits, acupuncture, IV infusion therapy, red‑light therapy, stretchLab, massages, hair salon, homeopathic consultations (online). Everything was carefully recorded in a shared calendar. Maryanne wasn’t very happy in the residence where she was living, so E Julissa took her to visit every senior living community in the area until they finally found The Springs Living. They went together to the grocery store, shopping trips, meals out whenever Maryanne felt up to it, dropping off laundry, mailing letters to friends, buying costumes for events they attended together, and more. E Julissa kept the entire apartment organized, including taking items to donation centers. Despite Maryanne’s limited mobility, E Julissa always included her in small household tasks such as watering plants, cooking together, and simple activities that helped Maryanne feel engaged and active. In a short time, E Julissa and Maryanne developed a deep connection. Maryanne, a New Yorker and psychologist, was an 81‑year‑old woman with impeccable style and very particular tastes, especially regarding food. E Julissa learned her preferences perfectly and cooked healthy meals following a macrobiotic diet, which helped Maryanne maintain her weight. After four months, Maryanne decided to move from the third to the fifth floor of her residence. Elba Julissa packed everything, coordinated the move, and hired friends to help. Once settled, they decorated the new apartment together using a mix of second‑hand finds and unique pieces. In February 2026, Maryanne had a fall while alone at night. Thankfully, it wasn’t serious. E Julissa cared for her 24/7 for about three weeks, until a nighttime care service was hired. The months went by, and Maryanne remained happy, comfortable, and secure under E Julissa’s care. In June 2026, Maryanne caught a cold, and unfortunately her lungs could no longer withstand the strain. E Julissa stayed by her side until the very end. Her work, dedication, and compassion were truly exceptional.