My siblings and I laughed ironically when we considered it: my parents raised four of us with seemingly no problem; but when they found themselves in poor health, four of us – now all adults – couldn’t seem to care for just the two of them! It’s wasn’t for our lack of desire to care for them, of course. It was just the reality of things – we have children and households of our own to care for, full-time jobs we have to uphold so we can provide for ourselves and our families, the costs of trying to “go it alone” in providing care to our parents, and, perhaps most importantly, not being confident we had the experience and know-how to provide the quality of care – and quality of life – our parents both need and deserve.

At first, Mom was doing fine on her own, caring for my father as his Parkinson’s progressed. But then, she broke her arm, leaving her unable to care for Dad. That’s when we first experienced the invaluable gift that is JEVS at Home. Day-time care for Dad was exceptional and gave Mom time to heal and regain her own strength. But when people say to me, “So, JEVS at Home came in and cared for your parents,” I tell them right away – oh no, the caregiving is just the tip of the iceberg!

Here’s why I respond the way I do:

Our caregiver from JEVS at Home saved my mom’s life.

The worker, Janice, was the reason we discovered Mom’s conversion disorder… she blacks out with no warning. Janice experienced this first in the car with Mom and brought it to my attention so we could get it looked into. Because of Janice, we were pretty much immediately able to keep mom from situations that could be harmful to her, as well as others… driving, long walks alone, steps etc. I truly believe Janice didn’t just save Mom’s life on that one day, but many times over. Plus, with Mom’s condition, JEVS at Home helped us obtain overnight care as well.

It wasn’t long before I discovered that this one incident with Janice was not just a “fluke” occurrence. This extraordinary level of attention, care, devotion and sincere love between caregiver and client isn’t the exception, it is the rule with JEVS at Home!

There is no value to be placed on the peace of mind Janice gives us all… Mom, Dad, me, my siblings. There is no value to be placed on the time we get to spend with our parents – not struggling to care for their needs or chauffeuring them around to endless appointments, but instead enjoying their company and simply loving them. There is no value to be placed on the dignity both Mom and Dad have retained by being able to be where they want to be – at home, together, instead of in nursing homes.

If you ask me, Janice should be sainted – she has saved all of our lives! I know my situation, sadly, is far from unique – so many people of my generation are now facing the challenges of caring for parents. The answer is JEVS at Home, and I encourage anyone in a similar situation, or thinking that they may be facing it soon, to inquire, learn more and be prepared. JEVS at Home, I am sure, will be your gift without a price tag, just as it is for me.