Mary and Clare
We truly couldn’t run without our nurses and caregivers. They are the heartbeat of our family. What better way to honor them than by stepping into a day in their life here at ABC Home Healthcare and hearing firsthand about the incredible work they do?
Clare, our clinical Nurse Manager, was kind enough to share a heartfelt story about one of our clients.
“I met Mary shortly after her husband passed away. It was her second marriage; he was the love of her life. I was there to assist her with her medications, but our visits became so much more than that,” says Clare.
At ABC Home Healthcare, we understand the importance of social interaction and making our clients feel like part of our family—because they are.
“Mary loves to tell stories of her travels. Paris was her favorite. She also enjoys reminiscing about her time as an ER nurse and how much healthcare has changed over the years. The more she talked and laughed, the more I noticed the cloud of grief that once hung over her slowly beginning to lift.”
Clare recalls Mary’s deep sadness following the loss of her husband. In the beginning, their conversations focused on cherishing life’s gifts. Mary, an avid reader, often discussed books with Clare, mysteries being her favorite.
“You have the gift of vision,” Clare would tell her. “Even though you may be lonely, your books never leave you completely alone.”
As Mary’s memory began to fade, she developed a simple system—placing her initials in each book to remember if she had read it before.
Through Clare’s visits and encouragement over the years, Mary started venturing out more—attending bingo at the senior center, going on shopping trips, joining a prayer group at church, and even taking an occasional casino trip.
“She still misses her husband,” Clare explains, “but being able to keep his spirit alive by talking about him and their love has been so helpful for her.”
Mary also struggled with a challenging relationship with her sons. She believed they didn’t fully understand her grief because her late husband was not their biological father. However, through her visits with Clare, she found the strength to reconnect with them. Over time, she realized that family comes in different forms, and that’s okay.
“Our visits include vital signs and medication compliance, but they are so much more than that,” Clare says. “Mary always thanks me for spending time with her, saying she feels so much better after our visits.”
Caring for our clients’ physical well-being is our top priority, but our nurses understand that mental and emotional wellness are just as important. Mary is still navigating life as a widow, but with Clare’s help and guidance, she knows she is not alone.
“This journey has taught us both so many lessons,” Clare reflects.
Mary and Clare have formed a bond that goes beyond patient care.
Nurses have the ability to show empathy that is unmatched, provide care and commitment to their patients that is unwavering and bring unparalleled knowledge and heart into their work.
At ABC, we are so grateful that clints like Mary have nurses and caregivers like Clare—and incredibly thankful that we do too!
