Fitchburg Family Says Caregiver Was ‘Sent from Heaven!’

Barbara uses a scooter and walker to move around the home she shares with her husband Eugene in Fitchburg. She is diabetic and has dementia, so she isn’t able to do much work around the house anymore.

Much of Eugene’s time is spent taking care of his wife. “I’ve had to cut down on a lot of things to take care of her,” says Eugene. “But I like to be in the house. I don’t want her to fall.”

Eugene and Barbara signed up for visits from Agrace Age at Home in February. They have help with personal care and housekeeping from their caregiver, Claudia. “It was like she was meant for us,” says Eugene. “She has been the best person I have ever seen to do a job like this. She was sent from heaven!”

Claudia comes to Barbara and Eugene’s house three times a week from 10 a.m. to noon. She starts by asking Barbara if she wants to take a shower, then helps her get clean, dried off and dressed. She combs Barbara’s hair and puts perfume on her. “Claudia takes her time and makes me feel relaxed and safe every time,” says Barbara.

Next, Claudia cleans the bathrooms, sweeps the floor, vacuums and wipes down the counters. Before she leaves, she asks if there’s anything else she can help with. “The way our place is now, I wouldn’t be afraid to eat off the floor,” says Eugene. “We can’t wait until she comes back!”

With Claudia there to help, Eugene feels comfortable leaving the house if there’s something he has to do. “I know that Claudia will take good care of Barb. I don’t worry about it.”

During the current pandemic, Claudia wears a mask throughout her visits to help prevent the spread of illness, but Eugene knows she always has a smile on her face. “She gets tears in her eyes when we tell her how much we appreciate her help,” he says. “She knows she’s making a difference, and I can tell she’s smiling under her mask.”

If you are looking for a professional in-home caregiver to help with non-medical care for yourself or a loved one, we hope you’ll consider Eugene and Barbara’s experience. Age at Home is here to help support the way you want to live. To learn more or request a free home safety check, call (608) 327-7456.