Jeanine and her sister, Kris, had hired a local senior homecare agency earlier this year to provide services for their mother, Harriet, who is 91 and still living in her own home.Harriet was doing fairly well physically, but her dementia made it more and more difficult for her to remain in her home without extra
help, which her daughters could not provide on a consistent basis.
Jeanine and Kris were generally satisfied with the agency’s service – the laundry was done, the linens were changed, Mom was eating fairly well, she was taking her medications regularly, etc. But they became increasingly concerned about the parade of different caregivers in and out, and Mom’s lack of spark and vitality, which she had always been known for.
Eventually, wanting more for their Mom, they asked her if she would mind if they contacted Visiting Angels, because a family friend had recommended us. She agreed, and was soon matched with her own new Angel.
One day, Kris stopped by, unannounced, at a time when she knew Harriet’s caregiver would be there. As she approached the condo door, she smelled the fresh aroma of chocolate chip cookies. She opened the door quietly and peeked around the hall corner. She saw her mother and her Angel standing in the kitchen setting out warm, freshly baked cookies on the counter to cool. This surprised her, because of her Mom’s dementia, she hadn’t been interested in baking for several years. They had smiles on their faces and were softly singing one of Harriet’s favorite old hymns, “Amazing Grace.” When they finished, the Angel helped Harriet take off her apron, they smiled at each other, and exchanged a big hug. The tears welled up in Kris’ eyes, because she had witnessed first-hand the Visiting Angels difference. She said out loud: ”it’s all about the cookies.” She couldn’t wait to tell her sister.
The “cookies” are the difference that sets Visiting Angels apart from most other agencies. It’s the difference between a caregiver who just does his or her job, and one who goes out of the way to capture a special moment, or recreate a cherished memory of days gone by. At Visiting Angels, we remind ourselves every day: “It’s all about the cookies.”
