Thanksgiving and the holiday season are a time for family, and the heart of a family is oftentimes the older generation — our seniors, those who raised us and are parts of the family traditions we cherish so much.
But our seniors need love and care every day of the year, and sometimes that includes special caregivers. That’s where agencies like Visiting Angels of Cullman, locally owned and operated by Greg and Kaye Donnelly, come in.
Said Client Care Manager Jennifer Hinds, “We provide a wide range of non-medical home care services, from personal care and companionship to dementia and Alzheimer's care, palliative support, respite care, help with ADLs and medication reminders. Our services are covered by Veterans Affairs, long-term care insurance and private pay, which allows us to meet the needs of many families. Our mission is to give seniors the ability to live safely, comfortably and with dignity in their own homes while giving their families peace of mind.”
Hinds said the group’s caregivers aren’t just helpers, they become like extended family.
“Many of our clients and caregivers share meals together, celebrate birthdays and exchange stories that create genuine bonds. Much like trusted family friends, our caregivers provide emotional support in addition to physical care,” she explained. “For families who live out of town or who have busy schedules, knowing their loved one has someone who truly cares makes all the difference.”
For some seniors, especially those without close, extended families, the holidays can be hard. Having a special caregiver can ease the loneliness they feel.
“Loneliness can feel sharper when others are surrounded by family gatherings, and for those who have lost loved ones, memories of past holidays can feel lonely,” said Hinds. “During the holidays, our caregivers might help a client bake their favorite recipe, decorate the tree or simply sit with them to share stories. Beyond companionship, they also provide practical support, such as helping with holiday meal prep or assisting with safe transportation to church services or family gatherings and even accompanying them to community events. These efforts allow seniors to participate fully in the season without feeling left out. For many of our clients, these shared experiences with caregivers create some of the warmest holiday memories.”
The Visiting Angels teams said they’re very thankful this year for many things.
“This year, and every year, we are most thankful for our incredible team of caregivers. They give so much of themselves to make life brighter for others. They often sacrifice their own holiday time with families to be present with clients who would otherwise spend the day alone. That kind of selflessness can’t be measured, but it’s deeply felt by the families we serve. We are also thankful for the families who trust us with their loved ones. It’s an honor to be welcomed into their homes and lives and we don’t take that privilege lightly. This season reminds us that community is all about showing up for one another, and we are grateful to be a part of Cullman and the surrounding areas.”
Visiting Angels | 207 Fourth St. SE #A, Cullman | visitingangels.com/cullman
Visiting Angels Cullman has proudly served the community for 13 years and it is locally owned and operated. The Cullman office is part of a network of six locations across Cullman, Etowah, Walker, Blount and Marshall counties and surrounding towns. Contact Visiting Angels at 256-734-6600.