“I enjoy working with veterans because they have a wonderful view of the world and of life itself,” says caregiver Montana F. “You get to meet amazing people and enjoy each other’s company, while helping them with their daily needs.”Montana is just one of the caregivers at independently owned and operated BrightStar Care agencies across the country who are passionate about supporting their clients who have served our country. With more than 4,000 veterans tended to by our compassionate and experienced caregivers during 2022, we’ve found that our caregivers gain far more than they give. We’re proud to share a few of these powerful relationships.
Christine’s Story
Montana F. has been caring for veteran Christine S. for more than a year, handling those daily activities that Christine can no longer do herself or that cause extreme exhaustion. Since Christine was no longer eating well-balanced meals due to persistent fatigue, one of Montana’s most important tasks includes cooking healthy food and prepping meals for future use.“My diet has improved immensely since Montana started visiting and I’m so grateful for all she does for me,” Christine says. Montana is also there to help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like light housekeeping and ensuring Christine can take a safe and comfortable shower.
Montana’s care does more than just nourish Christine’s body, it also feeds her soul. Christine explains that she loves having someone listen to her, ask about her day and truly care how she’s feeling. “It helps me not feel so alone; having someone who cares enough to take time to sit and chat is amazing!”
But it’s not all about sitting. Another valuable service Montana provides is driving Christine to appointments and errands. Prior to their relationship, Christine would have to nap in her car in-between errands because her energy was zapped. BrightStar Care of Chico also helped her get a scooter, which she uses when grocery shopping or on other outings.
Montana loves getting to know her clients and is committed to being kind and patient with each one. That’s the thing about genuine client and caregiver relationships — it’s a two-way street of respect and affection.
Jack’s Story
“My caregiver is a great source of inspiration,” says Jack K., a veteran in Chico, California, who has been a BrightStar Care client since January of 2022. “It’s nice to know that people care; and I’m not as depressed anymore.”Jack’s praise demonstrates that caregiver Isabelle J. is meeting her goal of making her clients’ days a little brighter. “Some of my clients have a lot of health issues and they can become discouraged, so I want to cheer them up,” Isabelle says. “Caring about people is really important. When people know you care, then they want to keep moving forward.”
Isabelle helps Jack keep his home clean, drives him to appointments, makes meals and is in the home when he showers to make sure he remains safe. Since having surgery on one of his eyes, a BrightStar Care of Chico team member has checked in with him every day.
Another goal Jack has is to take his medication consistently. Sometimes clients need a gentle reminder about those activities that can keep them healthy and safe — this sometimes includes staying hydrated, eating nutritious meals and avoiding falls.
“Isabelle is great,” Jack says before sharing his future goal of enrolling in real estate classes. This friendship has become one of mutual admiration and inspiration. In Jack’s own words, “She’s a real nice gal.”
Kenneth’s Story
Corporal Kenneth R., served as a United States Marine completing two tours during the Vietnam War. With a choice between being drafted or enlisting, Kenneth chose to enlist.Kenneth has been receiving care from Karen M., HHA, CNA, of BrightStar Care of
Karen shared an example of his engaging personality, “Sometimes when I think he’s fallen asleep and not be listening to what’s being said, he will make a comment or wiggle his eyebrows to let us know he is still in there. I enjoy every moment with Kenneth and hearing his stories.”
She also says that it’s in Kenneth’s nature to look out for everyone around him. He is super grateful after all he’s been through and thankful for a wife that’s always been beside him in sickness and in health.
In addition to meeting Kenneth’s needs, Karen’s service has enabled his wife to meet her own needs. This respite creates time and space for Leota to attend appointments and run errands, as well as satisfy self-care measures like going for a walk or seeing friends. Leota says she can do this because she knows she can trust and depend on the BrightStar Care Burnsville / South St. Paul team.
Karen has heard similar comments from other families she’s worked with. They often say that BrightStar Care agencies hire quality caregivers, offer more care than similar companies and provide peace of mind.
The Privilege is Ours
We consider it to be the highest honor to care for veterans by supporting their independence and dignity. We come into their homes to assist with meals, mobility, errands and more, but we are the ones who are blessed by the stories they share and the love they have for our country.Although we have provided nearly 600,000 hours of care to veterans this year, our true focus is on a much smaller number — ONE. Our caregivers and nurses are committed to caring for one client at a time. One hour at a time. One special memory at a time.
Whether it’s the joy we see on a client’s face when we walk in the door or we notice their physical health is improving, these are the moments that matter. Caregiver Karen M. says it best, “Veterans put their lives on the line for our freedom. It’s our turn to serve them, by making their lives better every day.”
With locally owned and operated agencies across the United States, BrightStar Care® is one of the country’s leading providers of in-home senior care. We employ nurses, CNAs, and caregivers to deliver a higher standard of care and nothing less in the comfort of familiar surroundings. Please reach out to us for additional insights about working with those who have served our country.