I am often asked why I started a home health care agency. In essence it came from my own family experience. I helped care for both my parents who suffered from debilitating diseases. My Mother passed away 20 years ago from stomach cancer after a long and courageous battle. When Mom became ill, we weren’t even aware that home health care services existed. My siblings and I provided Mom’s care at home. Towards the end, hospice caregivers took over. They were extremely helpful, showing us how to give Mom her medications and a proper bed bath. They also explained what Mom was experiencing and what to expect as the disease progressed. Their help made it easier for all of us to cope with her disease. We realized later that it may have been easier for Mom if we had arranged for home health aides earlier. Their presence would have given Mom and all of us peace of mind that she was never alone.

 In 2004 my Father suffered a massive heart attack and later developed Alzheimer’s disease. As the disease progressed, we realized that he was no longer able to live alone. Dad wanted to stay in his own home and we honored his wishes. My siblings and I provided care for Dad ourselves, but we were not able to be there 24/7 because of our other responsibilities. We arranged home health aides to be with Dad 24 hours a day in his home. Thankfully, with the help of his wonderful, compassionate caregivers, he was able to stay at home until the end. Dad passed away in January 2010. We are eternally grateful to his caregivers.