Ted has lived in his Mission studio for decades. A long-term AIDS survivor, he spent most of his life working in production across San Francisco’s incredible theater scene, helping to build the vibrant cultural landscape we cherish today.
But behind the scenes of a life dedicated to art, Ted was carrying profound grief. By the time he’d turned 60, he had already buried three partners and quietly resigned himself to growing old alone.
Ted’s journey reflects a quiet crisis across our community. Many long-term survivors live with AIDS Survivor Syndrome, navigating complex trauma, survivors’ guilt, and chronic anxiety. Studies show that over 50% of long-term HIV/AIDS survivors experience significant symptoms of PTSD and depression.
At the same time, LGBTQ+ older adults face social isolation: they’re twice as likely to live alone and three to four times less likely to have close family to turn to in a crisis.
When Ted needed major spinal surgery late last year, that harsh reality hit home: he had no one waiting to care for him.
Ted was concerned when his doctor recommended he come to Maitri. Though he’d known us for decades, he thought we only offered end-of-life care. He was elated to learn about our respite care services and that he could stay with us to recover.
During his stay, our clinical team managed his post-surgical pain, while staff and volunteers helped him relearn to walk, often visiting Duboce Park.
Just as importantly, Ted found something he thought was gone forever: a vibrant community and people who loved and cared for him.
Traditional healthcare programs would have discharged Ted back to an empty apartment and closed his file. And in isolation, Ted would have been at high risk of declining.
Instead, our BRANCH Aftercare Program showed Ted a different way home: inviting him in so he never has to say goodbye to his Maitri family.
Designed as a vital bridge to independence, BRANCH supports our exiting clients with hot meals, ongoing mental healthcare, check-ins, and social connection.
Today, nearly a year after surgery, Ted still comes back to Maitri for weekly community meals, bingo, and outpatient care. His favorite is our weekly process group therapy.
Through BRANCH, we provide continuous connection that can spot emerging health issues in our 25 BRANCH clients like Ted. We identify issues that could lead to hospitalizations, mental health crises, and isolation.
By creating an intentional community, we can keep our clients anchored and help them--and help Ted live independently.
Your support ensures that long-term survivors like Ted never have to navigate aging, recovery, or grief alone. You’re giving them the lasting care, dignity, and belonging they deserve.