Special Moments Build Enduring Memories for Clients and Caregiver

As the saying goes, it is often the little things in life that mean the most. Companions & Homemakers, Connecticut’s most trusted home care agency, recently asked its caregivers to share stories of meaningful moments that they helped to make possible – “a great day or activity you and your client had together.”

The resulting anecdotes are moving and heartfelt, eye-opening and inspiring. They also provide a glimpse into the wonderful relationships that develop between caregivers and the people they care for, and the impact on the quality of life, in ways large and small, each and every day.

Companions & Homemakers has earned its reputation for excellence by providing quality in-home care to thousands of older residents in communities all across the state since the business was founded in Connecticut in 1990. Here are excerpts of a handful of the marvelous stories:

“I took my client John to Wallingford where he grew up and hadn’t seen in over 50 years! I brought him to see the house he grew up in and the school he went to. It was a trip down memory lane for him. He even teared up, bringing back all those memories he had cherished. He was amazed to see how things changed. We went to the new library where we sat and read on the town’s history. We finished the day at Hubbard Park and atop of Castle Craig. It felt good bringing another person joy. This isn’t a job, it’s a gift!” - Travis E., Meriden

“The most special day I most recently had was when I took my client Ruth to visit her husband Earle, who was a patient at Ingraham Manor in Bristol. It was a beautiful fall day and we went outside into the atrium where we sat, smelled the late-blooming roses, and just enjoyed the quiet. Earle had just had back surgery but was in good spirits since Ruth was there holding his hand. The look in their eyes after sixty years of marriage was irreplaceable and brought tears to my eyes! I hope I can make it to sixty years someday too!” - Susan P., Bristol

“My name is Margie and my client is Melinda. Not only do I help her but she does the same. We love going to the gym to keep in shape. We have cooking lessons - she is doing great. We work together on this. I try to make us think. We will pick a word and see how many words we can find. She loves this, and helps with the mind. Of course we love shopping. She enjoys nature and this makes me stop and enjoy this. She is not a client, she is a friend. To me this is not a job but something I enjoy every day.” - Margaret K., Jewett City

“One winter night I brought my client who is 101 years old to see the “Lights of Fantasia.” As we drove through it slowly, I loved hearing her ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ about how pretty all the lights were. She enjoyed it so much and we spoke about it for weeks!” - Britt B., Bristol

“My client John and I spend many days at the gym walking on the track or riding the exercise bikes. I enjoy all our days together but one day in particular stands out in my mind. On this particular day, John was feeling extra spry and the music play list was extra hoppin’. When a song by the Black Eyed Peas came on (Dirty Bit), John and I just broke out in dance in the gym having the time of our life with huge smiles on our faces. One of my all-time favorite memories.” - Rebekah V., Cromwell

According to an AARP study, 90 percent of people age 65 and over would prefer to stay in their own homes as they get older — and not go to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Aging in place is defined by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as "the ability to live in one's own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level." Companions & Homemakers serves residents in every community in Connecticut, and has been dedicated since its founding to assisting families in preserving dignity through independence and the comforts of home.

Companions & Homemakers is a charter member of the Connecticut Chapter of the Home Care Association of America and an accredited member with an A+ rating of the Better Business Bureau. Companions & Homemakers now has 12 Connecticut offices, located in Avon, Berlin, Clinton, Enfield, Farmington, Glastonbury, Hamden, Litchfield, Middlebury, Norwich and Westport. The newest office, in Danbury, opened earlier this year.