A Gift I’ll Never Regret
I never imagined I’d have to think about home care for my mom. She was strong, independent, and full of faith—always the one taking care of others. But life has a way of shifting, of reminding us that even the strongest among us need a little help sometimes.
My mother lived her whole life in Nebraska, where neighbors still wave at each other from their front porches and where faith isn’t just something you practice—it’s something you live. She was 74 years old when she passed away in September of 2024, and in the years leading up to that, she faced more than her fair share of battles. My dad had passed away in 2019, leaving her to navigate life as a widow in her 70s. And then, for the fourth time, ovarian cancer returned. She had beaten it before—through chemo, through sheer will, through God’s grace. But this time was different.
After years of treatments and sickness, my mother’s body was tired. She tried to keep doing the things she loved—going to church, spending time with her grandchildren, having lunch with friends, volunteering for Teammates at the local school—but her energy was gone. Everyday tasks like cooking, laundry, and grocery shopping became exhausting, and even getting out of bed became a challenge for her. I packed up my laptop, grabbed my cat, and basically moved in with my mom.
I was working 50 hours a week remotely, helping with housework, errands, and appointments while trying to be present for Mom. My siblings helped when they could, but they had families and jobs to juggle. Most of the day-to-day fell on my shoulders—and I was happy to do it because Mom had always been there for me. But as the weeks went on, exhaustion crept in. It was hard to sleep because I was always listening for mom at night, worried she might need help getting to the bathroom or that she might fall. I tried to keep up with work, take care of the house, and make sure that my mother had everything she needed. I didn’t want to admit it, but I was struggling. And if I was struggling, that meant I wasn’t giving her the best version of me.
One night, I sat down next to my mom and I started by telling her how much I loved her, and how grateful I was for every moment together. Then I told her that I needed help. I assured her that I wasn’t going anywhere but that having a caregiver for a few days a week could help with meal prep, errands, cleaning, and even suggestions for mobility aids to make life easier. I wanted to spend quality time with her, not just time checking off a to-do list. At first, she was quiet. But during her silence, she must have remembered that she and Dad had worked hard and saved for moments like this, so she agreed.
I searched online for Nebraska home care agencies with good reviews. I made calls, scheduled consultations, and chose the agencies that answered the phone with warmth and kindness. One intake coordinator asked Mom, “What’s your goal? What would you like to do with the help of home care?” Mom thought for a moment and then replied, “I want to go to church again. And I want to have the energy to go to lunch with my friends.” And just like that, we had a plan. The next week, home care started.
With a caregiver handling the little things, I had more patience, more energy, and more moments that actually mattered. I wasn’t rushing to get groceries or stressing about her next doctor’s appointment. Instead, I was eating breakfast with her, watching Wheel of Fortune in the evenings, reminiscing about old memories, and sitting with her in prayer. When hospice care eventually became necessary, we adjusted home care accordingly. The agency worked with our needs, our schedule, and our changing reality. If my sister wanted to visit on a holiday, we canceled home care for the day—no hassle.
Home care allowed me to show up for my mom in the way she deserved. If you’re caring for a parent, I know how hard it is to admit you need help. But let me tell you—getting home care was a great decision. It didn’t take away my role as a daughter. It gave it back to me.
At AmanaCare, we offer faithful, professional in-home care that honors each person as the unique gift from God they are. Care is not one-size-fits-all. We craft care plans to meet your family’s needs on your schedule, in your way, with the support you deserve. If you or a loved one need home care, we’re here to help.
As the Director of Referral Partnerships at AmanaCare, contact me today to learn more about:
- Personal In-Home Care
- Companion Care
- Dementia Care
- Post-Hospital Assistance
- Parkinson’s In-Home Support
- Veterans Care at Home
Call or text me, Heather Schanou, at 402-430-9684 or email heather.schanou@amana-care.com.
If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Lincoln, NE, please contact the caring staff at AmanaCare today. Call (402) 440-5878, for Central Nebraska Call 308-663-3828
AmanaCare Provides Senior Home Care Services in Lincoln, Kearney, Grand Island, North Platte, Hastings, Omaha, Columbus, Broken Bow, Scottsbluff, Norfolk, and surrounding areas.
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