When my mom was diagnosed with ALS, her decline was rapid and devastating. She lost mobility from…read morethe neck down and required full physical transfers. Before finding Homewatch CareGivers, I had gone through at least three different agencies. Each assured me they had experience with ALS, understood its unique challenges, and could safely care for someone with advanced mobility needs. Unfortunately, that wasn't our experience.
By the time I found Kelly and her team, I was exhausted, overwhelmed, scared, and running out of hope.
Kelly came to our home for an initial visit, and from the moment she walked through the door, I had a good feeling. She listened carefully, understood the complexity of my mom's condition, and talked us through scheduling options. Most importantly, she recommended a two-caregiver approach to ensure my mom's safety during transfers. Within a week, Homewatch CareGivers had highly qualified caregivers in place and ready to help.
Homewatch CareGivers truly became a lifeline for our family.
As my mom's condition changed, the caregivers adapted seamlessly. When she could no longer chew and needed pureed meals, they didn't simply blend everything together. They thoughtfully prepared and plated each of her favorite foods individually, preserving both dignity and enjoyment. They learned how to operate her power wheelchair, helped us navigate new equipment, and frequently offered insights and suggestions that even some medical professionals had not considered.
Throughout the entire journey, we were met with compassion, respect, and genuine empathy.
One of the hardest realities of ALS is watching people lose their voice and mobility. Too often, others begin to treat them differently or speak around them. That never happened with our Homewatch CareGivers team. They always treated my mom as the intelligent, capable woman she was, ensuring she remained at the center of every conversation and decision.
When we purchased an eye-gaze communication device, the caregivers learned how to set it up and use it. In fact, they became so proficient that there were times they understood it better than I did.
Kelly's level of involvement and support was extraordinary. She didn't just check on my mom; she checked on our entire family. She provided a sense of safety and security that allowed me to continue working while knowing my mom was receiving exceptional care. Over time, the caregivers became part of our family.
As ALS progressed, there were moments when we weren't ready to accept how much things had changed. Kelly gently guided us through each next step, whether that meant implementing overnight care, adjusting schedules, or helping us understand hospice options. Her guidance was always thoughtful, compassionate, and exactly what we needed.
Sadly, we lost my mom in March.
I can say without hesitation that we would not have made it through those 14 months without Homewatch CareGivers, Kelly, and the incredible team of caregivers who stood beside us every step of the way. Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for their professionalism, kindness, dedication, and love.
When the end came, members of the Homewatch CareGivers team came to be by my mom's side and say goodbye. Even after her passing, Kelly and her team have continued to check in on our family and offer support.
If you have a loved one with ALS or another degenerative neurological condition, I cannot recommend Homewatch CareGivers highly enough. Their expertise goes far beyond caregiving--they understand the disease, they support the family, and they provide compassionate care that preserves dignity every step of the way.
Quite simply, we could not have navigated this journey without them, and our family will be forever grateful
