CAREGiver Stories

Hi, I am Becky Beanblossom. I started Home Instead Senior Care in Louisville back in May 1999. I started this business because of an experience I had with my Grandfather, "Peachy".

Back in 1992 I had just graduated from the University of Louisville with a BSBA in Marketing. After graduation Peachy had open heart surgery. Dr. Devries did his surgery and we thought all was well. Unfortunately Peachy was a very sick man and thus had a stroke during recovery. Now my active Grandfather who used to regularly hunt and fish was confined to a wheelchair and completely paralyzed on his right side. This strong man was reduced to hours of physical therapy, eating pureed food and having trouble expressing himself.

It was when we brought Peachy home that I truly learned the beauty in caring for another person. We hired someone to stay with him during the week as he needed 24 hour care, and we took turns on the weekend. It was one of the greatest privileges and one of the greatest burdens all at the same time. It was far more difficult than I imagined as he was a tall man and difficult to maneuver. However, it was also more rewarding than I could have ever expected.

It was in that period in my life that I became distinctly aware of how important the CAREGiver was in the life of the Client and how much the Client has to give and teach even when they are immobilized or trapped in their own body. Years later when my husband and I were living in California we became acquainted with Home Instead Senior Care. From the moment we heard about the company and the services they provided to seniors we knew this was the business for us.

Since 1999 we have tried to offer the highest quality care possible to the elderly living in Louisville. We hope that if you choose to use Home Instead Senior Care that you will find the care to be exactly what is needed for your loved one. I would be honored to help you and your family in your time of need. If you choose to work with us at Home Instead Senior Care I hope you find this work as rewarding and important and we believe it to me. Thank you for reading my story. Becky Beanblossom

		Louisville Senior Named Regional Caregiver of the Year Mother's death inspires Ivenia to reach out Like many adult children of aging parents, Ivenia Harmon suffered from guilt and depression when her mother died of cancer. She soon discovered that healing was only a few steps away. "I walked into their office on a Wednesday to apply and started work on Friday," she said. That was seven years ago. Now, the 73-year old has been named CAREGiver® of the Year for the Mid-Atlantic Region by Home Instead Senior Care, the world's largest provider of non-medical home care and companionship services for seniors. "I?'ve witnessed Ivenia doing amazing things for her clients, from taking them home-cooked meals to checking on them after hours and visiting on her days off," said Becky Beanblossom, owner of Home Instead Senior Care in Louisville. "She told me that working with seniors has touched her life in a way she couldn't imagine and has helped her broken heart heal." One client couple was a particular challenge for Ivenia. Now she's a welcome member of the family. "The husband didn't want anyone in the house, but then he learned to trust me," said Ivenia. "I did everything, the grocery-shopping and cooking. Even the couple's children were calling regularly to ask what we were having for dinner." Ivenia was at the hospital bedside of the wife when she died after suffering a series of strokes. "She was a wonderful woman and I took care of her like a mother," she said. An 87-year old terminally ill client told his family that he wanted Ivenia in the front row with the family at his funeral. "We're proud to honor Ivenia for her tireless service and devotion to older adults," said Beanblossom. "Caregivers are the heart and soul of our company and every day they help give new meaning to the lives of our clients." Ivenia was a finalist for the Home Instead Senior Care National CAREGiver of the Year Award in 2007, the top care-giving honor that is presented at the company's annual international convention in Omaha. She was recognized along with six other regional caregivers who were selected from more than 37,000 Home Instead caregivers nationwide. Ivenia didn't win the top honor, but in our book she is the BEST! If you think you have what it takes to be the "CAREGiver of the Year" apply with us today. Call 502-515-9522.