Nearly eight years ago, Watervliet resident, Terry Rose, was struggling. Her diagnosis of multiple sclerosis left her exhausted and unable to manage life on her own. Terry, with a huge desire to be independent, connected with Region IV Area Agency on Aging and began receiving regular and daily in-home care.
The care that Terry received was a lifeline for her. Terry had a daughter in the area who was able to provide evening care, but Terry needed help during the day. She started receiving daily care from a paid caregiver, facilitated by Area Agency on Aging.
Terry’s family and the paid caregivers worked together to make sure that all her needs were met. Terry woke up every morning to a caregiver that helped her get out of bed, get dressed, fed, and ready to enjoy the day – all in comfort of her own home.
Terry continued to receive help in her home for several years. Being in her home gave Terry peace and hope for the future. Eventually, Terry was able to receive a knee replacement. She grew stronger, healthier, and more capable to the point that she no longer needed help to live independently.
In 2020, Terry realized that she, too, could provide comfort, peace, and hope to others – she could be a lifeline to someone else.
Applying to be a caregiver at the same agency that had provided her care for years, Terry began working with an individual who had Alzheimer’s. Terry became the shining light of hope to others that she had received for so many years. She did not stop there – Terry went on to provide essential care to countless people in our community. And when other caregivers called off sick, or were unable to work, Terry choose to step in. Terry has stepped in over 200 times for last minute care needs.
Terry is described as both caring and compassionate. She has dedicated so much to the care of others that she has clocked over 1000 hours of care services in the last year alone.
Every hour of care that is provided changes the life of the person receiving it. Whether these changes are seemingly small and incremental, or life-changing like they were for Terry – they are all important. Terry’s life today is vastly different because of the care she received. And now she is able to pay it forward. The skills and services that she offers to others are invaluable in shaping our community, our world, to be a better place.
Terry’s story is encouraging. She reminds us of the good in the world – the care, the compassion, the hope. Our tri-county area alone is home to over 280,000 people. Many of these people need our help. They need your help. So, what can you do?
Region IV Area Agency on Aging partners with many caregiving agencies in our community. These agencies need caregivers – they need a friendly face with a helpful heart to provide the care that many depend on. Consider this a challenge to be bold, step outside of your comfort zone, and consider a job as a caregiver. You can change a life, too!
Please contact Area Agency on Aging at (800) 654-2810 to find out more about how to become a caregiver.
If you or a loved one are seeking care to remain living in your home or the community, please call Area Agency on Aging at (800) 654-2810.