Where Do I Go From Here?
By Kristin Stetler Donovan, Owner
Aging In Place Senior Care Service
I’ve shared my story many times before. I reflect on the challenges, lack of knowledge and sheer fear of not knowing what to do. I think it’s important that I share it as many times as possible, so that others can know that if they are experiencing any of these emotions in dealing with coordinating care for a loved one, they are not alone.
When a parent or loved one’s health declines or they suffer a medical emergency, very few anticipate or plan for something like this. If you are like me, there is a sense of denial that nothing like that will happen in your world. It can and did happen in my world. I had a mother with high blood pressure, diabetes, mobility issues and kidney disease. I was fortunate that my father was relatively healthy his whole life until suddenly, he wasn’t and passed within six months of a heart failure diagnosis.
Being the youngest of four children, the baby, I couldn’t imagine my parents struggling or having to realize that they were not immortal. My mother struggled for ten plus years, and it was a labor of love to help her, from bathing, assistance with incontinent issues, managing medications, household chores and finally assisting with her compression stockings. There were days that were easier and some that I felt I had nowhere to turn. Caregiving is physically, mentally and emotionally demanding, and I felt all of these.
For those of you reading this, if it resonates with how you feel, I will say it again, you are not alone. Feeling alone and being alone are two very different things. The reason I started my agency over eleven years ago was because I didn’t want anyone to feel alone when facing the labor of love of caring for a parent. I learned so much, I went to many doctor appointments, learned about medical conditions, treatments, medication, had frequent flyer miles in the hallway of the Christiana Hospital in the emergency room, or at least I felt as though I should. I learned how to handle incontinence, how to transfer my mother using a pivot transfer, perform finger pricks for glucose testing, administered shots to my father’s stomach and learned how to put on the compression stockings. All of this I did out of love, although I did not love those compression stockings! My previous career was in banking, managing people for many years. In my mind I was not competent to be a caregiver, but we learn, we adjust, and we do for those we love. I felt like I wanted to share what I learned with others, helping them on their journey caring for their aging loved ones. At this time, I decided to combine my managerial skills and my caregiving skills and manage an agency providing care to those in need of care and support to remain independent and safe. My eldest sister, who also shared the privilege of caring for our parents, asked me “Why do you want to open a home care agency?” “Wasn’t it hard enough?” “Didn’t you have enough?” “Why not open a Subway?” My response, “I am not passionate about pastrami, but I am passionate about helping others and want to guide them through those painful milestones, like those experienced along our journey caring for our mother and father.”
I now own an agency that provides companion and personal care services to help those caring for a loved one. This does not make me an expert on senior care, nor do I claim to be an expert in everything senior care. However, between a hands-on caregiver and working with amazing home health aides over the last eleven years I have quite a bit of experience. I tell everyone that I meet that I opened my agency to help others and even if my agency isn’t the solution to what you are looking for, we will always help and guide you in any and every way we can. You will never have to ask yourself “Where do I go from here?” Please contact us, because we are happy to help and to share our many years of senior care experience. I may not have all the answers, but I have met some amazing professionals in senior law, hospice, physical therapy, community placement, community staff etc. Aging in Place Senior Care Service is always there to assist you, guide you and offer resources to help you provide the care you are looking for to support your loved one. We provide up to 24 hours in home and community care. Please never feel alone, we are always here to help. Our staff is happy to assist you, you can reach us at 302-722-8240.
Testimonials
“Meant to call and tell you how much we enjoyed the caregiver. We definitely plan to use her again, thanks.” ~ Alice S.
“Thank you so much for taking care of my Dad these last several years. Your support allowed him to live with dignity and independence he otherwise would not have experienced. We are forever grateful for your service and dedication.” ~ Mike R.
(302) 722-8240
kdonovan@aginginplacescs.com
5586 Kirkwood Highway
Wilmington, DE 19808
