By StoryStudio on April 23, 2024
As the primary caretaker for her aging parents, Kirsten Bartie found herself constantly tethered to her parent's home, never able to go far for long out of fear that something would happen.
“I waited forever to find help because I just thought it was going to be one more thing I had to manage. It was totally wearing me down,” Bartie said. But when a friend recommended Always Caring of Connecticut, Bartie decided it was finally time to take a leap of faith. After using Always Caring for a year and a half, the verdict was clear. “Always Caring gave me my life back,” Bartie confirms. “I was able to finally take a breath, go back to work, and not have to run over there every day. They took care of everything.”
Offering compassionate non-medical home care to seniors across Westport and the surrounding communities, Always Caring excels at ensuring that clients and their families constantly feel safe and supported. Always Caring provides a range of services including companionship, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, transportation to doctor's appointments, and Alzheimer’s care.
For children of aging parents, Always Caring provides a crucial lifeline for trusted home care
From the very first moment that Bartie got in touch with Always Caring, she was impressed with the quality of service. After talking to owner Mark Basler, an aide was sent over with the guarantee that if this person didn’t work out for any reason, a new aide would be sent over with no questions asked. Although the aide was excellent, she soon had to be replaced due to illness. “There was no minute wasted and somebody else was there. I don’t even know how Mark does that,” Bartie said. Margaret, the new aide, became so bonded to Bartie’s parents that she ended up staying longer and longer shifts, eventually moving in to take care of her parents full time.
For Bartie, Always Caring’s capacity to provide seamless care was one of the most significant factors in her ability to trust them. No matter what time of day, Mark and his staff were always available to troubleshoot any problem. Bartie points out that even the administrators working in the office are certified aides, and available to jump in as needed. The real test came when Bartie traveled out of the country for a wedding, leaving her parents without family nearby for the very first time. Her mother fell and broke her hip, but Mark and the aides took care of everything, getting her mother the medical care she needed immediately and staying at her side as she recovered and healed. “All the aides were outstanding,” she said.
Client & Caregiver Quotes
Client
Stefan B
"Always Caring of Connecticut has been there for my family when...
—Stefan B., Client
"Always Caring of Connecticut has been there for my family when we have needed reliable, empathetic, and competent caregivers for both my father and mother. Available at a moment’s notice, literally, they have been there to sit with my father, shop for my mother, prepare meals for them and safely guide them through the house using canes, wheelchairs, and walkers. Argentina Marku is prompt and efficient with my text messages and I feel relieved for their work with my parents through some challenging surgeries and falls."
"The Always Caring of CT team was so kind, professional, and willing to help us in any way possible...
Clients
Bruce F. & Vickie M.
—Bruce F. & Vickie M., Clients
"The Always Caring of CT team was so kind, professional, and willing to help us in any way possible. And the truly selfless aides provided such amazing care, companionship and love for our mother and our family during such a difficult time. The entire organization truly lives up to their name!"
"I am so lucky to be on your team..."
Caregiver
Iluara Arbelaez
—Iluara Arbelaez, Caregiver
"I am so lucky to be on your team, you really care about your employees and that means a lot, nice staff, flexibility and understanding."
Although her parents have now passed away, Bartie is sure that they were able to live longer and more meaningful lives because they stayed in their own home. Ultimately, seeing her parents so well taken care of in the final stage of their lives has given Bartie peace of mind that one day, when she needs it, she will also get that kind of care. “The whole time I was thinking, this is going to be me in twenty-five years,” Bartie says. Whenever that time does come, Bartie hopes that Always Caring is still around. “I’ll be comfortable and confident to have Always Caring come look after me,” she said.
question
How long does home care last?
Q&A
The duration of home care is not fixed and can significantly differ depending on an individual's specific requirements. Home care services may be temporary, spanning a few weeks, or extend throughout a person's lifetime.
Answer
Why would somebody use home care?
question
Home care empowers individuals to maintain maximum independence while enjoying the comforts of their own home. This option allows them to reside in a familiar environment, sleep in their own bed at night, and remain close to loved ones, including family, friends, and pets. Additionally, it provides peace of mind, ensuring access to skilled, consistent, and reliable care as needed, even if those needs evolve over time.
Answer
When it comes to going above and beyond, Always Caring prides itself on putting the clients and their families first. “They never say no,” said Bartie when asked why Always Caring is so unique. “They’ll make anything happen that you need.” Bartie continued. This dedication to the people they serve instilled a new feeling that Bartie had never experienced before in the hectic haze of caring for aging loved ones. “They gave me confidence,” she says. “The confidence that I could go away and no matter what, everything would be ok. They gave me my independence back.”
As to how they are able to operate at such a high standard, Bartie is sure that it all comes from the top. “It starts with Mark and the people he hires,” she says, adding “He is such a caring, thoughtful person and his motives are so pure and so good. It’s a win-win for everybody.” Critical to Always Caring’s success is how the organization cares for their aides, so that they are able to show up and fully give themselves to the clients they serve.
Sponsored by Always Caring of Connecticut
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Kirsten Bartie,
Always Caring Connecticut Home Healthcare Client
