Earlier this week, we honored Cathy Colbert and Walter Roemer, one of two client/caregiver teams at Caring Hearts of Yorktown, VA, who are celebrating a half-decade together.
Today, we’d like to spotlight Ida Margaret Holloway, 94, and her caregiver of more than five years, Bettie White. Through Bettie’s compassionate nature and loyalty, Ida Margaret has been able to age in place in the comfort of home for much longer than would otherwise have been possible.
The family initially contacted Caring Hearts to assist Ida Margaret with living independently, but she was not quite ready for home care assistance. Initially, she agreed to the Direct Link Personal Emergency Response System.
After a few months, Caring Hearts began working with Ida Margaret a couple hours a day, two days a week. After the passing of her only daughter, home care services were expanded, and the family requested that Bettie remain as the primary caregiver.
Between caring for other clients and her own family responsibilities, Bettie remained the primary caregiver for Ida Margaret for more than five years, all while studying to obtain her Certified Nursing Assistant certification.
Today, Caring Hearts is with Ida Margaret around the clock, utilizing a modified live-in schedule. She has two grandchildren who lovingly oversee her care. She also has a sister next door, a niece close by and good, caring neighbors of nearly 50 years.
Ida Margaret is a pillar of her community, a comfort to her family, a delight to Caring Hearts and a blessing to all. She enjoys conversation, past memories and visits from friends and family. At the mention of her great-grandbabies, she lights up and a whole new conversation is started.
In honor of this amazing relationship, the office staff of Caring Hearts of Yorktown honored both Ida Margaret and Bettie with flowers, balloons, gifts and food. Bettie’s husband of 53 years, Ernest, even brought a keyboard and guitar to serenade Ida Margaret.
Sadly, caregiver Bettie White recently lost her own battle with cancer on January 24, 2013.
“We are so proud to have had Bettie as part of our team,” owner Gail Stathers said. “We miss her greatly, and her legacy serves as an inspiration to us all. We are blessed to have caregivers who truly exemplify the Caring Hearts spirit of selflessly serving others.”