Latest Reviews & Testimonials
It’s not always easy knowing where to start in the search for a quality home care agency for yourself or a loved one – the sheer number of options can be overwhelming, and finding the right agency is crucial to future happiness and well-being.
Read what other families in Gastonia, NC have to say about Home Instead!
Deborah and the home instead team have done a great job with my parents. Deborah was very patient and kind.
I had Home Instead for my husband and my mom in the early years of 2000. I was still teaching. Now I have it for me at age 91. They have helped me so much. I now have Lyn, so pleasant to have in my home. She is so faithful, sees to my care and safety, keeps my home clean, drives me where I need to go. Thank you for making it possible for me to live independently in my home. I've never had a need that was not taken care of in a kind and timely manner. I have recommended Home Instead to friends.
Home Instead is amazing, they help my grandma with anything she needs. The care givers are nice and always does a good job. Lavonda is our caregiver and she has been awesome at her job and is sweet to my grandma. Highly recommend.
Everyone is so welcoming and kind and very supportive. The staff here is PHENOMENAL.
I’ve been very satisfied with the service rendered by the employee providing the actual service, Lawanda W., and the Client Care Coordinator, Tanya S.
We really like Home Instead. My husband, Melvin White, is a client of Home Instead. Cindy B. takes good care of my husband and does all her tasks. She goes above and beyond what is expected of her. Thank you.
Love working with Home Instead team! When I make a referral to them, they respond immediately to our families. Every person who works with them tells me how pleased they are to have Home instead helping them! I cannot say enough great things about this group!!
I love home instead, they have been really great for us. Tanya has been amazing, she goes above and beyond for her clients. She's extremely professional and helps her clients with their needs. I am so grateful to have her as a care coordinator. Thank you so much Tanya!
My mom has utilized the services of Home Instead of Gastonia since her discharge from rehab just over two months ago. The Home Instead staff has proven to be a great partner in the care of my mom. A special shout out to Tanya S. for her engagement, communication and care for my mom. Much appreciated.
We can’t say enough wonderful things about this home care service. They have supported me and my mom in ways I truly couldn’t manage on my own, and I’m so grateful for their dedication and heart. A special thank-you to Angela, who always checks in, goes above and beyond, and makes us feel truly cared for. And to Hannah, thank you for keeping up with our ever-changing, sometimes chaotic schedule with such patience and organization. And the incredible kindness and compassion shown by all the caretakers especially Toni and Beth whose warmth and care make such a difference. Thank you all so much for everything you do. You’ve made an enormous impact on our lives.
Home Instead has been such a gift to my family and my mother. I provide memory care to her full time at home, and our home instead caregivers provide a break each week. Our care coordinator, Tanya S., has been so helpful in bringing in caregivers who suit our needs, and is always mindful about communicating how we move through our day here. Each of our caregivers through our years with home instead have been wonderful.
I have had a good experience with Home Instead over the last 2 1/2 Years. I have have an excellent Primary Care Pro Lisa, and my other 2 Care Pros Heather and LeeAnn (both take good care of me). Also, my Care Coordinator, Angela, has taken good care of me too. I would also like to mention Lou who is always so kind and helpful when I need to call the office. Mary and Hannah do a good job working on the coordination of my schedule of care when needed. Hailey the Nurse is always pleasant and nice on her visits.
Home Instead has been a savior at a tough time. Tamyra and Jennifer have been wonderful. Tamyra makes it possible for my sister to go to church when she can, she loves it. Jennifer goes above and beyond making sure everything is done right. Angela P has made the system go like clockwork. Much appreciated.
I’m incredibly grateful for a company like Home Instead. From the very first referral through Sundae, I was made to feel like family. My expectations for my dad’s care were high, and Dana provided the reassurance I needed to know we were in the right place. From Tanya, the coordinator, to Hannah in scheduling, to Ta’Siah who offers such comforting care, the connection and teamwork among all of you truly feels like family. Thank you for being such an important part of this journey with us.
I don't know what I would do without Home Instead! I use their services for my mother-in-law. They are dependable and caring and they go the extra mile. I've been so impressed with them. The client care coordinator that is over my mother-in-laws case is kind as can be and very professional. She makes sure our needs are met and I can tell she genuinely cares about her. It's very refreshing to find such a wonderful company as this!
Last year, my dad (S.H.) suffered several strokes and had to leave his home for a few weeks while he completed rehab. When it was time for him to return home, we were told he would need in-home care. As an only child, I was completely unsure of how to navigate the process, but my VA contact connected me with Home Instead.
From the very beginning, Shannon, Sundae, and Angela P. were incredibly knowledgeable and walked me through every step. They made something that felt overwhelming absolutely seamless. My dad struggles with change and has a PTSD diagnosis, so I asked if they could do everything possible to keep the same caregiver with him consistently. They kept that promise and have done everything they can to communicate clearly with him, avoid surprises, and maintain his comfort.
For the past year, Home Instead has provided my dad with wonderful care. His care giver Kylene has been accommodating with scheduling, patient with his needs, and respectful of his independence. Thanks to them, he has been able to stay in his home with dignity and safety, and I have peace of mind knowing he’s in good hands. Thank you, Kylene, Angela, Sundae, Shannon, and the entire Home Instead team, for the compassion, professionalism, and commitment you’ve shown my dad. My family is forever grateful.
Maya has been a wonderful addition to our home. She’s an excellent caregiver for my 91 year old mother who has dementia. Angela has been very helpful as our care coordinator. When Maya is not available my mother enjoys her talks with Joanne who is a loving friend to her. Thank you to Home Instead and mom’s caregivers.
My husband needs home care. We were with a different company and were not happy, then we found Home Instead. We are extremely grateful for outstanding service provided by Home Instead.
The coordinator we have, Tanya S, has been instrumental in making sure all services run smoothly. She personally checked on us every time when we were in the hospital. She is very knowledgeably also, she made me feel we always had a back up. She listens to our needs, arrange care promptly, and follows up consistently. Her professionalism and kindness make a huge difference in our experience.
We also extremely grateful for outstanding care Crystal S. has provided. She has been a blessing. She is dependable, skilled and attentive. She always shows kindness. Her support has greatly improved our daily routine and my husband’s safety.
We have completed peace of mind knowing Home Instead is there for us. Highly recommend Home Instead for anyone who needs home care services.
We didn't know about VA services and Home Instead, until a friend told us about it. We have had 3 super good caregivers. Our current caregiver Shirley young is very caring and compassionate. Shirley has a gentle way. One day I was playing a Christian song on my phone, we have many conversation about sharing our faith. And we are happy with Home Instead!
I have to show appreciation to Nina B. again. She has been able to get my husband who has dementia to shower without incident when it is a challenge for me to convince him he needs to shower. She has the patience that I don't always have. He responds well to her and is always happy to see her.
Coaching, positive attitude of whole Office Staff. A lot of Teachable Moments to Improve your Success.
Nina B. Is fantastic with my husband who has dementia. She has a great rapport with him and he feels very comfortable with her. I get a break 3 mornings a week which helps me tremendously!
I highly recommend Home Instead and in particular Keyonna C. She provided assistance that helped me with my recovery from surgery. She was most pleasant to work with and exceeded our expectations.
I want to praise to this organization. I needed them in a time of crisis and they showed up the very next day to beginning helping bring order to our family's chaos. They worked to fit our needs and scheduling and were very responsive to questions, concerns and proactive in letting me know when my mother was struggling. Angela, the care coordinator, went above and beyond in putting together the care plan and ensuring coverage and communication. Makaylin and Peggy were the most constant caregivers in the house and they did everything we asked and helped keep the house clean and my mother happy. They even went so far as to accommodate my mother's two dogs, who were not used to having unknown people in the house. On the last day, I observed the grumpier of the two lying on the couch next to Peggy while she brushed her fur. This dog usually runs and hides or growls at even family members. What a blessing that these people are here and willing to serve. I cannot recommend them enough!
Patricia T. is the most caring, loving, and compassionate caregiver to my dad. She addresses his needs as her top priority. I feel comfortable knowing he is well taken care of when she is there. She is very dependable and she loves what she does and it shows. Thank you Home Instead for sending Patricia to care for my dad.
In addition, I would like to recognize 2 more of the staff, at Home Instead, that are currently working with my dad. Tanya is my dad's Care Coordinator. She is very compassionate and goes out of her way to make sure everything is going well with the care, that my dad gets. When I touch base with her on any of his appointments, she is always concerned of the outcome and reaches out to see if anything needs to be added to his care. Also, I would like to mention and recognize his caregiver. Her name is Trenda S. She does an outstanding job for my dad. He is VERY HAPPY with her. She is always concerned of my dad's health at his age and stays on top of any kind of changes. This is so important, knowing she puts him and his care as her priority. She is very dependable and loves what she does and its shows. Thank you Home Instead for sending Trenda to care for my dad. Thank you Trenda for being a GREAT caregiver for my dad.
Patricia Todd is the most caring, loving, and compassionate caregiver to my dad. She addresses his needs as her top priority. I feel comfortable knowing he is well taken care of when she is there. She is very dependable and she loves what she does and it shows. Thank you Home Instead for sending Patricia to care for my dad.
My helper Becca B., is so helpful to assist me in my everyday needs. For example, she checks to make sure that I take my Meds. Becca is so helpful to fix my meals and see to it that I maintain a healthy diet. Most of all Becca, helps me feel secure, and at ease in my movements around my home. She assists me in good meaningful conversations and we share interests in local happenings. Becca is good healing mate. Thank you for Becca.
I want to say that Cloey B. was exceptionally helpful to me! She assisted me a with project in my home. Home Instead you have a great caregiver!
Arykah is great! She and my Dad get along wonderfully. She encourages him to do the things he can, and helps with what he is limited to. She is constant and seems to have her schedule down when she is here. I am happy to hear she is choosing healthcare as a profession! I also appreciate the fact that he has someone other me to talk with through the week.
My sister in law has employed Home Instead at different times & different situations over several years. She has had some good caregivers. For the last few months Sarah S has made her life so much better. Barbara told me Sarah knows her needs without anything being said. Sarah is always busy. When I visit Barbara l can tell how wonderful & blessed she has Sarah to help her needs. I could go on & on but will just say you are blessed to have an outstanding employee like Sarah S.
Valerie is the best caregiver. She has become a friend to myself and my dad. She goes above and beyond to make my dad happy. I trust her completely with his care.
I want to share our experiences with Home Instead Gastonia. My family has used the service since the beginning of 2024. Nurse Dana, the office staff, Angela our coordinator, and caregivers have been extremely helpful and kind to our family. If I need extended hours Christina, in staffing, makes it happen. My father-in-law floats between his daughter and our home. If a gap occurs, our coordinator, Angela, has stepped in. As for the caregivers, Cindy B. and Sheila W. are amazing! My father-in-law enjoys the interaction he has with them (even though he doesn’t remember them) each day. They both keep him moving and thinking. They are so appreciated. Cindy B. is an eagle eye and has noticed changes on his body and in his behavior and lets us know. I can’t say enough about this company and its caregivers. I recommend the service.
Home Instead of Gastonia has been helping us with my dad's care for the last six months and we couldn't be happier. We're impressed, dad's neighbors are impressed, even the outside nurse is impressed. Debbie B, Michelle W, and Debora G do a consistent, caring job as well as anyone who has had to fill in for them (very) occasionally. The office staff is prompt and responsive to phone calls and changes. Our family truly appreciates the care we're receiving!
Home Instead has been very kind and helpful from the very beginning. Very easy to work with and my grandma couldn’t say enough nice things about her caretaker Camilla. Camilla was good company and helped out with anything my grandma needed. I highly recommend Home Instead and Camilla to anyone needing a kind, trustworthy, helpful caretaker.
My name is Mary Ann and I've been with Home Instead for almost a year. Mrs. Doris is the best they come in home health and the care she shows my husband. She has been taking care of my husband Harvey and is always attentive to his care needs as a bed bound patient. Thank you Home Instead for hiring the best and I have absolute trust of her in my home.
Home Instead has been a real life saver for my father. We have been using their services for a few months and the caregiver, Marilyn, has been fantastic. Not only has she managed my dad's personality, helped him get some great meals and kept his house in good order, but navigated all of this while helping feed and manage my dad three large dogs. She has worked magic and my dad has looked the best he has in a long while. Thank you Marilyn and Home Instead.
THIS IS AN UPDATE TO MY REVIEW! DECEMBER 2025
It has been more than a year and a half that we've been using Home Instead with my father. In that time, Home Instead has been wonderful. We have needed to extend care for him and Tanya as well as Marilyn and Catalina have been terrific. My father is well taken care of, communication is terrific and everyone does a terrific job covering shifts. It continues to be a blessing in our lives. Thank you, Home Instead!!
Home Instead has been providing care for my parents for several months now. Gloria, Linda, and Amber have come to genuinely care for them. It’s more than a job. We’ve had to make numerous changes in the schedule as Mom and Dad’s needs have changed. Our care coordinator, Angela always responds promptly and professionally.
Gloria has been one of our parents' caregivers for about 7 months now. She has been a tremendous help and support. Not only does she provide excellent care for them, but she also maintains their home environment as if it were her own. She has been with us during some really difficult times, and she never faltered. She loves my parents and our family. We love her! Professional, compassionate, dependable, and loving. She is a gift!
Victoria has recently come to work with them as well. She is an exceptional young lady who has chosen a profession that she is well suited for. I love that she even takes the time to do mom’s nails!
Our caregivers have been wonderful, caring, reliable, and supportive. We have already in a short period of time feel like they are family. Our family would like to recognize Angel, Sherry, Camilla, and Deb.
I enjoyed four months of personal care at home! I recovered from 4 broken ribs, 2 fractured Vertebra & another symptom. Keyonna helped me take care of. She was always on time & help set up things for the next day. Thanks to Keyonna & Home Instead!
Home Instead has been providing care for my parents for several months now. Gloria, Linda and Amber have come to genuinely care for them. It’s more than a job. We’ve had to make numerous changes in the schedule as Mom and Dad’s needs have changed. Our care coordinator, Angela always responds promptly and professionally.
Every one we have met has gone above our expectations. Big thank you to, Leeann and Phyllis. I appreciate you ladies. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Charity is our favorite one. She is great! And knows the routine.
Debora Hall visits my dad at Courtland Terrace !! She is outstanding!!!!
Home Instead caregiver Camilla has been a wonderful caregiver and friend to our love one. She is loyal, compassionate and extremely skilled to allow us to stay at home. Camilla is like a part of the family. We are so thankful to have her and Home Instead to provide at home services.
Earlene has been great with my dad. She came in. A built a relationship with him. The whole team that I have dealt with has been helpful with scheduling and flexibility for doctors appointments
Home Instead has always been very helpful when I have needed them for my residents!!
Home Instead has a very loving staff who are trained to help keep your aging loved ones in their homes by assisting with bathing , dressing , meal prep , caregiving etc. They can provide the help you need.
Lucy was absolutely wonderful, she did everything needed and expected, often before asking. She encouraged my wife to get out of bed during the day and not just remain there. She was someone to talk with and compare life's journey with. Lucy was with us for about 4 months.
Home Instead has been providing care for my parents for several months now. Gloria, Linda and Amber have come to genuinely care for them. It’s more than a job. We’ve had to make numerous changes in the schedule as Mom and Dad’s needs have changed. Our care coordinator, Angela always responds promptly and professionally.
Love working with Home Instead team! When I make a referral to them, they respond immediately to our families. Every person who works with them tells me how pleased they are to have Home instead helping them! I cannot say enough great things about this group!!
We used Home Instead for my grandmother for two years. They were very easy to work with. Scheduling appointments, adding or changing hours and dates due to appointments or care needs. I cannot thank the caregiver enough. Debora Green was more than we ever could have asked for, she loved my grandmother like her own family.
We have a care giver from Home Instead for my mom's husband. Her name is Gloria. She has been with then for about a month now. She is a God sent. She not only takes care of the husband but is also willing to help mom so that mom can save her strength for when no one is around to help. Words cannot describe how pleased we are with Gloria. She does not stop from the time she comes in to the time she leaves the house. Gloria makes the house a better place for these two seniors. Her being around has give me a peace of mind so that I can also focus on what I need to do and know that Mr and Mrs Ruff are taken care of at the same time.
Deborah Hall and Laniya (Lay) Fulton- my mother receives excellent care! We are very pleased. Thanks
Our caregiver Earlene is amazing! She takes excellent care of my husband and keeps him doing his exercises provided by the PT. They have also commented on how good she is. They said they wish they could clone her. Her dedication is really helping him. She is so organized and accomplishes so much in the time she is here. My house is so clean thanks to her. My quality of life has improved so much, not just my husband’s. I’m able to focus on my job, I work from home, vs constantly having to jump up and take care of him. I’m so happy I called Home Instead.
We really like Home Instead. We really like April Morales our care giver. She exceeds expectations. My husband, Melvin White, is a client of Home Instead.
We have Home Instead to help my mom and dad as they battle some health and mobility issues. They have been a game changer for our family! Sundae, Angela, and JoAnne (our caregiver) are extremely professional, highly compassionate, and have made our parents feel special. More importantly, they’ve allowed our dad to have more freedom and our mom is thriving with Joanne’s attention and care. We are so thankful to be partnered with them and have them as part of our family. We Highly recommend these folks to those struggling with the demands of aging parents. They have brought quality of life and calmness to a chaotic season.
If you need home care this is a great place to get it from. Our person who comes out every week is Evelyn Pratt and she is very kind understanding and very gentle with my 92-year-old mom. She provides great service, giving her a bath helping her get dried off get lotion on her helping her do some of the laundry helping fix heat up supper so that Mom has something hot to eat. This company is a great company everyone that will work with from home instead has been good. Once in awhile Tammy comes out to verify that Evelyn is doing a good job with Mom. And it's nice to see that someone comes out to check up on the person that's coming to your home. If you need home help then home instead it's a place to get it from.
We have a care giver from Home Instead for my mom's husband. Her name is Gloria. She has been with then for about a month now. She is a God sent. She not only takes care of the husband but is also willing to help mom so that mom can save her strength for when no one is around to help. Words cannot describe how pleased we are with Gloria. She does not stop from the time she comes in to the time she leaves the house. Gloria makes the house a better place for these two seniors. Her being around has give me a peace of mind so that I can also focus on what I need to do and know that Mr and Mrs Ruff are taken care of at the same time.
I had excellent caregivers who went above and beyond to help me as I recovered from a long hospital stay. They helped me to relax and not worry about so much—since I knew they were coming to help me. It was a great experience. I am better now, but would use their services again if I need them.
I cannot say enough good things about Home Instead. They conducted a thorough interview and found the perfect person to help my Mother-in-Law remain at home longer that would have been possible. Jackie was very professional and thoughtful and my MIL considered her a dear friend. Phyllis was added on alternate days and was equally as helpful and caring. I highly recommend Home Instead to care for your loved ones.
We have been very thankful for Deb Hall. We were very thankful for when she was able to come in and sub for my parents Jim & Mary Z. She has become a regular now, she comes in always with a smile and kind word. It is a pleasure having her.
April Morales has been great with my Dad. She goes above and beyond. Before, I was feeling very overwhelmed trying to do everything myself. With April she spends time with him prepares meals keeps house clean and laundry done. And even plays cards with him sometimes! Times like these families become overwhelmed! It is so nice to have someone we can trust to help out so we can spend more time enjoying our loved ones! Thank you
We've been using Home Instead for the past year plus to help with my mom and I would be happy to recommend them to others. Our main caregiver, Deborah Green, is a wonderful person and not only provides excellent care, but cooks, cleans, drives mom to appointments and provides her with the social interaction she needs. Thanks to Home Instead, I feel comfortable with my mom being able to stay at home by herself and mom has really enjoyed having Debbie to chat with.
Home Instead caregiver Robin B. is amazing! She has been such a godsend to my family. She's honest, dependable, and an incredibly hard worker. I can't say enough good things about Robin and Home Instead.
Mary Ayers, has been a caregiver in my home for a year or so. She has been a blessing to me- allowing me to have a break from my caregiving role as I have no family to help out. She is the best--gentle and very caring. Don't know what I would do without her help and kindness.
Tamara is absolutely the best!!! She was a God send to my dad and our family. Her kind, gentle and patient spirit is like no other. We trust her with my dad’s care completely.
Home Instead has allowed my husband with dementia to stay home. I'm able to get out, knowing his caregiver, Shereece Davis, is taking excellent care of him. All the people I have met have been caring, helpful, and dependable. I highly recommend them.
We really like Home Instead, and we really like LeeAnn !
Melissa and Stephanie are both wonderful ladies❣️My husband feels very comfortable with both, and enjoys conversations with them. I can rest at ease when I leave Steve in their care. We couldn’t ask for any better care pros and feel so blessed to have these two. Thanks so much for having such credible employees!
Home Instead gave my father excellent care. Diane Floyd was and exceptional care giver to my father. She became a part of our family. We are forever grateful to Diane and Home Instead.
Caitlin Lee is very personable and friendly. She is always on time and is very detail-oriented. She takes pride in doing her tasks in a timely manner. It is a pleasure to have Caitlin in our home to assist us in maintaining our home environment.
My dads caregiver Melissa Tracy is dependable, reliable, and does a fantastic job.She is a good worker, and I love her work. She is very competent and professional. I would not have wanted to be on this journey alone and without her.
Thanks Home Instead
When it comes to your family member and their care you want the best! Here are the five reasons they get a five star rating. Honest, Genuine, Caring, Capable, Dependable and Flexible. Home Instead is a first class operation with the experience and they know to deliver exceptional service. I would highly recommend Home Instead to anyone who is seeking in-home senior services!
We have had some wonderful Home Instead caregivers for both my Mom and Dad. They also have caring and compassionate staff who work in the office. Buffy Gray was with Dad until the very end and was such a blessing! She “got him” and I truly appreciate that. She was so caring and kind to him and worked so hard to keep him comfortable. I would not have wanted to be on this journey alone and without Home Instead. Thank you to everyone at HI!
I would recommend Home Instead of Gastonia for anyone finding themselves or their family member in need of Senior Care. Our caregiver was Teresa Moss and she was absolutely the perfect fit for my parents. She was so caring and responsive to their needs. Anyone who matches up with her will be very blessed in so many ways. Teresa gave our family peace knowing our parents were well taken care of. I don’t know what we would have done without her! She is knowledgeable, caring, trustworthy and simply joyful to be around.
I am Laura Shive, step daughter to Leo Reed who receives care by Home Instead through the VA Community Care program. Suzanne Bridges is Leo’s caregiver. She brings compassion, knowledge, and experience to the superior care she gives Leo every work day. He says she is “extremely good, has a can do attitude, is willing to work, is on time, and does her work above and beyond expectations and is dedicated to duty and is wonderful “. She helped Leo submit an article about himself to appear in the Marine Corps memorabilia book. We are very fortunate to have her to help us cope with Leo’s health issues and daily living needs.Without Suzanne, it would be very difficult for Leo to continue to live at home. We are so thankful for her!
Home Instead has been a great company and has really helped out with taking care of my dad since I live so far away. Q has been a phenomenal caregiver She works all hours of the day to ensure my dad is receiving the very best care possible! I highly recommend this company to anyone looking to let their loved ones stay in their own homes and get the care they need!
We really like Home Instead. We really like April Morales our care giver. She exceeds expectations. My husband, Melvin White,is a client of Home Instead.
I would like to say that Dawn L. our care coordinator is the best in the business! She’s very caring and knowledgeable and she’s always available if we need her!
Our caregiver, Mary A. is the best! She’s very efficient and caring! We love her!
The care my dad has received from Home Instead has been excellent. He enjoys bantering back and forth with the caregiver, especially Sherry W. She takes excellent care of him and is a very positive individual. I don't know what I would do without her.
Home Instead is a good company! My caregiver Debrorah Green is a great caregiver! She a good worker, and I love her to death. The Lord sent her to me.
Teresa makes a huge difference in Mom's life. We know we can depend on her. She's a positive person, supportive and helping in any way Mom needs.
While under the care of Home Instead for home health aides I was blessed with many aides, but two stand out -- Crystal and Jackie. Their warmth, friendship and loving care made them unforgettable and hard to let go when I moved from Gastonia to Conover.
They were family to me, always cheerful and ready to focus on my needs and comfort, never watching the time, often remaining beyond their shift if their day was over.
I may forget their last names, but I'll never forget them. They remain in my heart and in my prayers. I will always be grateful for the angels God sent during a very emotionally trying time in my life. Crystal entered into the stress of the move to Conover, tirelessly packing volumes of books and personal items. I know Jackie would have done the same if she had been available.
My only regret is that I didn't have a chance to say goodbye to Jackie. When Crystal helped me into my son's car we both were tearful. It was evident that she was a dedicated health aide who loved her calling and her patients. I'll miss her, as well as Jackie, who also exemplifies the quality Home Instead provides in their aids.
As a guide and now provider, Sundae has become a friend and go to person as we navigate the changing landscape of our family's life.