Care and Connection at Home

Quality home care is about more than simple assistance. The right support also provides companionship and meaningful moments of connection, making life at home not only safer and easier but also more fulfilling.

Finding the Right Match

After a hospital stay due to edema and a wound in her leg, Adeline Hicswa, a 30-year resident of Siena Village of Wayne, a Christian Health community, realized she needed some extra help at home. She decided to seek support through another Christian Health service, Home Care Options.

While bringing someone into your home can be a difficult adjustment, Home Care Options quickly found just the right aide for her needs.

“I got the call, and they said, ‘I have a perfect person for you.’ And they were right,” said Adeline.

Sharine first visited Adeline five days a week as she healed from her injury and then transitioned to two days to provide light support and accompany Adeline to errands and doctor’s appointments. However, their relationship quickly evolved into something more meaningful: for both of them.

“I think it was just fate,” said Sharine. “We connected right away.”

More Than Just Care

While Sharine assists Adeline with basic needs, their relationship is about much more than caregiving. During her twice weekly visits, Sharine accompanies Adeline on various outings, from running errands to simply having fun spending time together. The two enjoy going out to eat, going shopping at the mall, visiting a local tea house, or going to the casino – occasionally even on Sharine’s days off.

“If she wants to go somewhere, I make time to go with her,” said Sharine.

Sharine also often accompanies Adeline to Siena Village events, such as their yearly summer barbecue.

“We have fun together,” Adeline said.

These joyful days out and shared experiences have become central to their routine and their friendship over the last two years that they’ve been together.

“We have a very good relationship,” Sharine said. “We love and respect each other, and that’s all we need.”

Adeline even expressed how meaningful their relationship is to her with a heartfelt poem, which she framed and gifted to Sharine.

“Sharine is here, and I am glad,

She cheers me up when I am sad.

My day is not complete,

Without her voice, so very sweet.

She sparkles like the stars above,

With compassion, care, and love.

The things we plan are so much fun.

We're sorry when our day is done.”

For Sharine, the feeling is mutual. When asked about the most rewarding part of her job, she said, “Meeting Adeline. Isn’t she great?”

Building Trust and Respect

Both Adeline and Sharine agree that a strong aide-client relationship doesn’t happen by accident. Respect and communication are essential to building a healthy, mutually beneficial bond.

“You must have patience and listen,” Sharine said. “As a home health aide, it’s important to be attentive to their needs and always be supportive.”

They also acknowledge the importance of flexibility. “You have to learn how to give and take,” Sharine said. “You can’t be critical.”

“You have to realize people do things differently,” said Adeline.

This mindset has allowed them to navigate differences productively and always maintain a positive dynamic.

“Everybody is your superior in some way,” Adeline said. “It’s important to respect each other.”

Get Meaningful Support With Home Care Options

At Home Care Options, our certified home-health aides offer kind support, meaningful companionship, and helpful services, such as personal care, housekeeping, and mobility assistance, so you or your loved one can enjoy comfort, safety, and peace of mind in familiar surroundings.

To learn more about how we can support you, please call (201) 897-5550 or visit Home Care Options.