Caregiving responsibilities can lead to feelings of love, generosity, and a strengthening of family ties.  Some caregivers are thankful for the opportunity to provide care and to share in the final days of the older person’s life.  For others these responsibilities can be overwhelming and lead to isolation, physical illness, financial devastation, and loss of employment.  In severe cases, caregiver exhaustion can lead to abuse, the financial exploitation, neglect, or mental or physical abuse of an older or disabled person.

Caregiving, simply stated, is one person giving care to another.  I love the following saying “You may be only one person in the world, but you may also be the world to one person”. Isn’t that so true, especially when we talk about caregiving?

Caregiving is a process that often involves a tremendous sacrifice of time, energy, and money.  It is often emotionally charged and demanding.  Many seniors will, at some point in their later years, be both caregivers and care receivers and it is important to understand the caregiving process.

Caregiving is a global issue, as countries around the world face aging populations.  In America, caregiving provided outside of institutions is the backbone of the long-term care system.  The value of unpaid care for adults is estimated to be $257 billion annually per AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving.  In addition to its economic impact, caregiving exacts a toll on caregivers, who often suffer compromised health, personal financial strain and intense emotional stress.

Tips for working with difficult adults

1. Respect that difficult individuals must want to initiate their own healing process.  They cannot be “fixed”.
2. Center yourself.  Clear out your own feelings.
3. Accept difficult individuals where they are.  When you recognize the behavior for what it is, you can better understand the person you are dealing with and to tailor your response accordingly.
4. Questions are generally less helpful than listening and observing.
5. Never lie to difficult care recipients, Say what you mean and mean what you say.
6. Be gentle but strong.  Set firm limits and stick to them.

In her book, Working with Toxic Older Adults: A Guide to Coping with Difficult Adults, Gloria M. Davenport writes: “Surrounding toxic adults with steadfast boundaries and love means to be there,to be a presence but detached and free from seductive toxic hooks and games.”  It means setting personal limits and boundaries.  It means loving yourself enough to control your own fears and defenses, enabling and empowering you to sustain objective support.  Boundaries are “psychological fences” because they define emotional limits.  They define what is “in bounds” and what is “out of bounds”.  In healthy relationships, boundaries act as operational parameters that outline how the caregiver and care recipient relationship works, boundaries perform critical functions, including:

• Helping caregivers define what they will and will not accept in their behavior and the behavior of their care recipient.
• Assisting caregivers in defining and respecting their “no’s”.
• Reminding caregivers of their responsibility to behave consciously.
• Helping caregivers get priority needs met in order to set boundaries, it is vital for caregivers to rank their priority needs.
• Outlining the framework for how they will connect and share their energy with the care recipient.

This is a fairly sensitive topic and frankly not discussed often but one that is needed as we explore the wide range of caregiving techniques and options.

Many times, we avoid these discussions because it can be hard to face the fact that we are getting older.  Perhaps we fail to recognize our parents could suddenly be faced with a chronic health condition or event and are unable to continue their independent and healthy lifestyles. Unfortunately, some families are faced with a crisis out of the blue and must respond immediately.

First, understand this type of communication is a process, not an event, so be prepared for several meetings and much discussion.  Participants need to realize trust and respect must be given and received by everyone involved to obtain optimum results.  The discussions should also be centered on the senior’s needs and emphasis placed on ways to help maintain an independent and active lifestyle as long as possible.

Second, understand that the senior involved may be hesitant to share private information simply because they have been conditioned to not talk about their business affairs.  Such hesitancy can be also be caused by fear that any information obtained could be used to benefit others instead of being used in the senior’s best interest.

Third, practice love, kindness, compassion and understanding, and always respect the senior’s ideas and opinions.  In other words, involve them in the process.  Remember, it should be all about them.  Respect one another’s opinions, exercise good listening skills and brainstorm together to reach a consensus.  In some cases, families see a need to bring in an expert to advise them on how to proceed.

Generally, it is a good practice to schedule a family meeting with only immediate family members present.  You may want to begin discussing the preference of living arrangements if additional care is required.  Is home care a solution or perhaps a move to a retirement, assisted-living or full-care center?  Another option is to live with family.  Some families share in this arrangement by moving the parent every few months.

The task of caring for a senior adult can be very time-consuming and emotionally draining; some families find that assigning specific responsibilities to participating members is one way to share in the care.  An inspection of the senior adults’ chosen environment is recommended.  Modifications may be required to make the environment safe and secure.

Legal documents should be inspected for accuracy, and a secure location for the documents needs to be arranged.  These documents include wills, titles, life insurance, long-term policies and end of life advance directives. Other items to be discussed and identified include:

• Distribution of property – charitable and personal
• Bank accounts – checking, saving, money market
• Defined pensions and Social Security
• Stocks, bonds and mutual funds
• Annuities, IRA accounts and certificates of deposits

Advance directives should include durable power of attorney for health and medial care, a directive to physician, and a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) order.  A power of attorney for legal and financial affairs should be resolved and an appointment of a guardian or conservator should be made.  Many adults have funeral policies and a conversation regarding funeral wants and desires should be addressed.  Be sure to designate the responsible financial party, pallbearers and participants.

As you prepare, a good rule to follow is to always treat someone as you would want to be treated if faced with the same situation.  Remember, to love one another and to maintain the ability to laugh are good ways to approach even the most challenging events in our lives.  Start planning now – don’t wait until your need is immediate.

Sue Wallace is a Certified Senior Advisor and CEO of Assisted Services Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas.  For more information visit www.AssistedServices.com or phone 817-429-8476

• To take care of myself. This is not an act of selfishness. It will give me the capability of taking better care of my care receiver.
• To seek help from others even though my care receiver may object. I recognize the limits of my own endurance and strength.
• To maintain facets of my own life that do not include the person I care for, just as I would if he or she were healthy. I know that I do everything that I reasonably can for this person, and I have the right to do some things just for myself.
• To get angry, be depressed, and express other difficult feelings occasionally.
• To reject any attempt by my care receiver (either conscious or unconscious) to manipulate me through guilt, anger, or depression.
• To receive consideration, affection, forgiveness, and acceptance for what I do for my care receiver as long as I offer these qualities in return.
• To take pride in what I am accomplishing and to applaud the courage it has sometimes taken to meet the needs of my care receiver.
• To protect my individuality and my right to make a life for myself that will sustain me in the time when my care receiver no longer needs my full-time help.
• To expect and demand that as new strides are made in finding resources to aid physically and mentally impaired older persons in our country, similar strides will be made toward aiding and supporting caregivers.
• Add your own statements of rights to the list. Read the list to yourself everyday.

Adapted from Caregiving: Helping an Aging Loved One, a book by Jo Horne

The study defined a caregiver as someone who provides unpaid care to another who requires help with activities of daily living (ADLs) or instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs).

ADLs include basic physical maneuvers that healthy individuals perform daily without assistance such as bathing, dressing, using the toilet, transferring oneself (from the bed to a chair, for example), and feeding.

IADLs define another range of tasks considered instrumental to one’s self-sufficiency.  They include shopping, cooking meals, performing household tasks, doing laundry, managing money, using the telephone, and taking medications by oneself.

ADLs and IADLs are most often used to identify caregivers, to measure the level and type of work that caregivers perform, and to understand care recipients’ needs.  ADL’s & IADL’s are used to determine eligibility for programs and services.

Following is a great new resource for Veterans and families of veterans.

Caregivers are the family members and loved ones who provide care for Veterans who are living with the effects of war, disability, chronic illness, or aging. They deserve VA’s highest level of support. VA values the sacrifices caregivers make to help Veterans remain at home. Caregivers are the critical link to ensuring Veterans have the highest quality care and optimal wellness. We want all caregivers to feel supported and have trust in VA to assist them in their caregiving roles.

I am very pleased to announce the VA Caregiver Support Line is opening today, February 1, 2011 at the Canandaigua VA Medical Center campus. This support line will serve as a resource/referral center for caregivers, Veterans and others seeking caregiver information; provide referrals to local VA Medical Center Caregiver Support Coordinators and VA/community resources; and provide emotional support. It will also be available to respond to inquiries about the new caregiver benefits associated with Public Law 111-163, Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act of 2010.

The Caregiver Support Line will provide a “warm” referral service to VA medical center Caregiver Support Coordinators (CSCs) for call backs to caregivers. The CSCs will provide caregivers support, information, education, and referrals to appropriate VA and community resources. Please make sure to find out the name and contact information for the CSC at your VA medical center. The CSC plays a critical role to the successful implementation of the national Caregiver Support Line and caregiver support programming at your medical centers.

The National Caregiver Support Line will be open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The National Caregiver Support Line Toll-Free number is 1-855-260-3274.

Please also see VA’s updated caregiver website: www.caregiver.va.gov

We hope the above information is helpful to you or someone you know. We stand ready to help our clients and friends navigate the aging process. Please give a call if you need us.

Sue Wallace

President, Angel Heart Express

When we met at Jimmy’s home, Paul and I began to make plans to return Jimmy home as quickly as he recovered from this latest set-back and when he completed the necessary rehabilitation. Jimmy’s home was in a mess so we began working to restore the lower level for the day he could return home.

Jimmy was sent from the hospital to a nursing and rehab facility in the area and I became his advocate and “cheerleader”. I followed his plan of care and coordinated almost daily with the staff and told them Jimmy had committed to me he was willing to do whatever it would take to go back to his home in Hurst. I would visit him often and on every occasion, Jimmy would ask “When can I go home”. I would always tell Jimmy he had to be able to perform his blood sugar sticks and administer his insulin and when he accomplished this I would be able to take him home. At the beginning, I’m not sure if Jimmy believed I or anyone else was on his side but, slowly but surely, he began to trust me and realize I would always be honest with him and would stick with him no matter what happened. We worked hard for several months so he could become healthy enough to go home. Finally, the first week of December, 2007, he was discharged from the care center. I loaded his long lanky body into my car and away we went.

Arriving at his home that day was an experience I shall never forget. He visited each room and had the sweetest smile on his face and I could tell he was very happy to return to the home that he and wife, Nita had built back in the 60’s. He continued to tell me stories of his life with lovely Nita and I remember feeling so blessed to witness this happy time with him. But, it was quickly back to work because our team of caregivers had multiple tasks to complete to make his transition home go as smoothly as possible. For the most part, Jimmy had 24 hour care and we were gifted with a team of caregivers that loved and cared for him. The caregivers and I enjoyed the time we spent with Jimmy, especially the many hours we spent on his front porch swing just enjoying the wildlife and sharing memories and experiences of his life. We had many opportunities and challenges along the way to keep Jimmy as independent as possible and to keep his home and property repaired and re-arranged so he could continue to live where he wanted to be. What a joy for all of us to be a partner with Jimmy and his family during this portion of his life.

Jimmy’s health began to deteriorate in July, 2009 and his family decided it was time for Jimmy to move to Stonegate Nursing and Rehab where he lived for the remainder of his life. After he settled in, Jimmy and I would visit frequently. The family requested I continue to follow his plan of care so I continued to be his advocate and friend. Everyone at Stonegate loved Jimmy, even though he was capable of giving anyone a hard time if he was experiencing pain or discomfort in his knees or shoulder and you must know, Jimmy was a master at “selective hearing” with anyone who cared for him. In May, 2010, Covenant Care Hospice was brought in because Jimmy’s health was on a steady decline. Tahnya and her team brought the love, expertise and care Jimmy needed to complete his life cycle. Tahnya was wonderful to keep me and Paul involved and informed regarding Jimmy’s care and it was a pleasure to work with her.

I could probably write a book about my journey with Jimmy but I will close by saying that Jimmy was a fine man who touched so many lives as a husband, son, brother, uncle, coach, teacher, principal and especially friend. I would like to give special thanks to Jimmy’s family for allowing me to work with them in providing care to Jimmy. It was my extreme pleasure to know and love my dear friend, Jimmy and my times with him will live in my heart forever.

Sue Wallace

This woman wanted to warn women that it’s true that women rarely have the same dramatic symptoms that men have when experiencing a heart attack…you know, the sudden stabbing pain in the chest, the cold sweat, grabbing the chest and dropping to the floor that we see in the movies.

This woman had a completely unexpected heart attack about 10:30 p.m. with NO prior exertion, NO prior emotional trauma that one would suspect might have brought it on.  It happened about 1-1/2 hours after she had spent a pleasant 2 hours rehearsing with a choral group.

She was sitting all snuggly & warm on a cold evening, with her purring cat in her lap, reading an interesting story her friend had sent her, and actually thinking, “A-A-h, this is the life, all cozy and warm in my soft, cushy recliner with my feet propped up.”

A moment later, she felt that awful sensation of indigestion, when you’ve been in a hurry and grabbed a bite of sandwich and washed it down with a dash of water, and that hurried bite seems to feel like you’ve swallowed a golf ball going down the esophagus in slow motion and it is most uncomfortable. You are thinking you shouldn’t have gulped it down so fast and needed to chew it more thoroughly.

She thought, next time I will drink a glass of water to hasten its progress down to the stomach. But she found none of this did any good because her esophagus and throat muscles were already in spasm and it hurt her to swallow. This was her initial sensation–then it dawned on her, she hadn’t taken a bite of anything since about 5:00 p.m.

After that had seemed to subside, the next sensation was like little squeezing motions that seemed to be racing up her SPINE (hind-sight, it was probably her aorta spasming). It gained speed as the spasms continued racing up and under her sternum (breast bone, where one presses rhythmically when administering CPR). This process continued on into her throat and branched out into both jaws.

AHA!! NOW she stopped puzzling about what was happening. We all have read and/or heard about pain in the jaws being one of the signals of a heart attack happening, haven’t we?

She said aloud to herself and the cat, “Dear God, I think I’m having a heart attack!” She lowered the footrest, dumping the cat from her lap, started to take a step and fell on the floor instead. She thought to herself, “If this is a heart attack, I shouldn’t be walking into the next room where the phone is or anywhere else…….but, on the other hand, if I don’t, nobody will know that I need help. And if I wait any longer, I may not be able to get up.”

She pulled herself up with the arms of the chair, walked slowly into the next room and dialed the paramedics. The operator verified her address immediately and asked her symptoms.

She told the operator she was having a heart attack due to the pressure building under the sternum and radiating into her jaws. She didn’t feel hysterical or afraid. The operator said she was sending the paramedics over immediately and asked if the front door was near to her, and if so, to unbolt the door and then lie down on the floor where they could see her when they came in.

No, she didn’t take an aspirin, as she was allergic to it, but she did take a 100 mg magnesium oxide capsule…which she kept handily in reach on the kitchen counter…which was a small detour on her way to the front door with about 3/4 glass of water to get it dissolving ASAP into her bloodstream.

She had been told that Magnesium relaxes blood vessels as it dissolves to get them expanded to let blood get through the constriction of the vessels. She then laid down on the floor as instructed and lost consciousness. She did not remember the medics coming in, their examination, lifting her onto a gurney or getting her into their ambulance, or hearing the call they made to the hospital ER on the way. She did briefly awaken when they arrived and saw that the cardiologist was already there in his surgical blues and cap, helping the medics pull her stretcher out of the ambulance.

The doctor was bending over her asking questions (probably something like “Have you taken any medications?”) but she couldn’t make her mind interpret what he was saying, or form an answer, and she nodded off again. She did not wake up again until the cardiologist and partner had already threaded the teeny angiogram balloon up her femoral artery into the aorta and into her heart where they installed two side-by-side stents to hold open her right coronary artery.  She was then taken into the CCU, and found herself looking up at the anxious faces of her children.

Since she had been a patient at the hospital for a previous TIA treatment, they had her emergency information in their system and had called her children. She spent two days in CCU and two in a general ward, and then was discharged.

I know it sounds like all her thinking and actions at home must have taken at least 20-30 minutes before calling the paramedics, but actually it took perhaps 4-5 minutes before the call. Both the fire station and hospital were only minutes away from her home. The Cardiologist was already in scrubs ready to go to the operating room for another procedure which helped him get going on restarting her heart (which had stopped somewhere between her arrival and the procedure) and installing the stents.

Why has she shared all of this with so much detail? Because she wanted all of you to know what she learned firsthand, as a health care professional and as one who has lived through a heart attack due to:

1. Being aware that something very different was happening in her body, not the usual men’s symptoms, but inexplicable things happening (until her sternum and jaws got into the act ).

It is said that many more women than men die of their first (and last!) heart attack because they didn’t know they were having one, and commonly mistake it as indigestion. They take some anti-”heartburn”, and go to bed hoping they’ll feel better in the morning when they wake up. This sometimes does not happen. Your symptoms might not be exactly like hers, so she advises you to call the paramedics if ANYTHING is unpleasantly happening that you’ve not felt before. It is better to have a “false alarm” visitation than to risk your life guessing what it might be!

2. Note that she said “Call the Paramedics,” Ladies. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE! Do NOT try to drive yourself to the ER. You will be a hazard to others on the road, and so is your panicked husband/friend who will be speeding and looking anxiously at what’s happening with you instead of the road. They will get the attention of a police officer who will pull you over for speeding, more wasted time.

Do NOT call your doctor–he doesn’t know where you live and if it’s at night you won’t reach him anyway, and if it’s daytime, his assistants (or answering service) will tell you to call the Paramedics. He doesn’t carry the equipment in his car that you need to be saved! Your doctor will be notified.

3. Don’t assume it could not be a heart attack because you have a normal cholesterol count as she did.  Research has discovered that a cholesterol elevated reading is rarely the cause of a heart attack (unless it’s unbelievably high, and/or accompanied by high blood pressure.) Heart attacks are usually caused by long-term stress and inflammation in the body, which dumps all sorts of deadly hormones into your system to sludge things up in there. Of course, family genetics can also be a factor.

A serious note about heart attacks: Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line, or even pressure there and under sternum, or “indigestion” symptoms, especially if you haven’t eaten in several hours. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack, but heaviness/pressure under the sternum is common.

Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms, but not necessarily in women. 60% of people who have heart attacks while they are asleep do not wake up.

Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. If you can take low dose aspirin or similar product, consider keeping it by your bedside and taking one if you feel any of the symptoms described in this article.

Be careful and be aware. The more information we know, the better chance we could survive a heart attack.

Share this with your women friends, it might save their life.

Let me start by saying I would not recommend total knee replacement unless it is absolutely necessary but you or someone you know is in constant pain & dependent on walkers, canes or wheelchair for mobility & safety – then go for it. I found myself unable to sleet 2-3 hours before waking up with chronic pain & thinking anything would be better than this.

Once I decided I was ready for surgery, it was time to talk to Dr. Todd about what to expect. He said the surgery would probably be scheduled on a Monday & I would be able to leave the hospital on Friday. He then dropped a bombshell saying I wouldn’t be able to drive for 6 weeks following surgery.

6 weeks for a person that goes in high gear most of the time, operating 3 business ventures and highly involved in family, church & several organizations seemed like an eternity. How would I get to outpatient therapy several times a week? I have found in the years of caring for older adults that losing the independence of driving is a very hard pill to swallow & now I was facing that loss & I began to truly understand how difficult that feels. I learned many valuable “life” lessons in this journey & this was Life Lesson #1 I am a caregiver; it didn’t feel right asking for help. Here came, Life Lesson #2: When someone really wants to help, let them help. I realized to refuse help is to deny the other person involved the blessing of “helping”. So I swallowed my pride and starting asking for help. I was and am so blessed to have a huge support system, family and friends were there to do whatever I needed. Surprisingly, I didn’t have a fear of having the surgery. I knew I had a great doctor, physical therapist, a very supportive network of family & friends. I knew from the get go, I was going to have to work very hard to get my knee rehabilitated so I could return to my independent lifestyle & be free of the chronic pain I was experiencing. Life Lesson #3 – I have helped many folks through the years that I knew were in great pain most of the time but until you experience chronic pain yourself, you cannot imagine what it feels like or how it can effect your entire body.

I admit I was surprised when I was told at the hospital that next to heart surgery, knee replacement was the second most invasive surgery you can have with hip replacement coming in third.

The surgery was scheduled for Monday, April 26, 2010 after lunch. I had already done all the pre-op routine so it didn’t seem very long until they came to prep me for surgery.

Everyone was so nice & very complimentary about me having the “best” doctor which made me feel even more confident. When Dr. Todd came to check on me in the surgical waiting area, I told him I had a small request. Laughing, I told him I never could dance so I wondered if he could put a little rock & roll in the right knee & a little rhythm & blues in the other. He said if he could do the rhythm thing, he would probably have a line of golfers out the door. I had requested an epidural so I wouldn’t have to overcome the effects of having a general anesthesia so I was somewhat awake until right before the surgery. I woke up in recovery in no pain & went from recovery to my room. The first pain I felt was at about 3:00 am the next morning. I can’t take strong pain medication so I was limited to taking a medication a little stronger than a Tylenol which was given at 4 hour intervals.

Sometime Tuesday, I met my physical therapist and he instructed me on what to expect & told me with the help of a walker & him, I would start walking very soon. That first step on Tuesday was one of the hardest things I have ever done but I did it because I knew I had too. I told him I needed to learn how to navigate steps because I had steps at home & would need to learn how to use them when I returned to my home environment. By Wednesday, I had learned to go up & down 2 to 4 steps & by Thursday, I surprised us both by going up & down an entire stairwell at the hospital. After that little marathon, my therapist laughingly told me he was going to quit helping me because I was just showing out. I have always been a hard worker & this was one time when hard work paid off. I received lots of visitors visiting me at the hospital – all wishing me well – it was gratifying to know I had so many friends that cared so much for me. Barbara, my good friend & co-worker came to see me on Tuesday following my surgery on Monday and said she was amazed. She stated that even with no make-up on & hair that left a lot to be desired; I looked better & younger than I had looked in several months. We concluded that the knee pain I had been having for such a long period of time must have taken a toll on me. I left the hospital on Friday & was on schedule to start out patient therapy on Monday. I remember thinking on the way home, “This might not be as bad as I thought it would be because I was already walking small distances with the help of a walker & could, with help, navigate steps”. Was I ever wrong!

I had great help when I got home – all my sisters took turns being with me the first couple of weeks which was wonderful because I knew someone would be there in case I needed anything.

I went to my out patient evaluation on the Monday following surgery & there I met, once again, my real therapist “Misty”. I knew Misty to be very knowledgeable because she had helped me move from a wheelchair to a walker & cane following my unfortunate experience with a less than successful knee scope – enter Life Lesson #4 – most strangers treat you differently if you are in a wheelchair, walker or use a cane. In most instances, they do not look you in the eye as if they are afraid to make contact with you. I think they simply do not know what to do so it works better for them to avoid the situation completely. Many times, I wanted to say, “Look at me, not through me, I am a fairly bright person with an outgoing personality who loves people. I’m just experiencing a problem with mobility right now because of a “bum” knee.” This perceived behavior has changed the way I react & respond to individuals that use wheelchairs, walkers & canes.

She began by performing an extensive work-up on my knee & informed me quickly that the rehab following knee replacement would be nothing like the rehab for the knee scope. Misty said I would need to take pain medication about 1 hour before my sessions in order to be able to work through the pain. Boy was she right!! The first session of rehab was more than uncomfortable & I’m ashamed to admit but 1 exercise which appeared to very simple was so painful, tears rolled down my face for an entire 2 minutes & I just couldn’t seem to help it. By the next session, I had named this exercise “Bad Boy” & it continued to be called that until I completed my therapy sessions. I’m very strong willed & I made a conscious choice not to let the rehab get the best of me. In other words, I would get it, it would not get me. The rehab did continue to hurt but again I did it because I knew I had to re-condition that knee in order to achieve the best possible results. Misty lined out the exercises I was to do at home & I am proud to say, I did not miss a day doing my exercise routine. Even when it was late or I was tired or in pain, I did the exercise routines & I think that made all the difference in my recovery. I still have a little inflammation in the right side of my knee it is also a little tender when I go up & especially down stairs but again the more I do it, the less pain I experience. Dr. Todd says when the scar is no longer pink, the knee will be completely healed & this should occur in 12 to 14 months.

I am so thankful to have a new knee and to have been given my life back.

The Story of Angel Heart Express

My Mother had a heart of gold and she was always the ultimate caregiver, finding someone in need and ministering to them in anyway she could to improve their quality of life. She was a true champion of the “underdog”. Mother collected people, the way most people collect pets. I came home many times to find someone new in our house and some of them would stay for several months or years until they could get back on their feet.

Mother was in a wheelchair for the last eighteen years of her life. I don’t remember ever hearing her complain about being confined to a wheelchair, she just made the best of it. I was blessed to be the daughter who always lived in the area and we simply did not let the wheelchair stop us. Mother purchased a handicap van and we went everywhere, on vacations, to family reunions, to restaurants, to the beauty shop and always to church on Sunday. On many occasions, all four sisters and Mother would take a road trip which was always a great adventure packed with memories, love and laughter.

Just prior to her death in February, 2007, Mother told my sister Linda that she wanted to give me her van so I could help other people the way I had always helped her.

In May, 2007, I started, Angel Heart Express, a non-emergency wheelchair transportation company with the help of my husband, Joe, to honor the memory of my Mother. Angel Heart Express was developed to be a different kind of transportation company by not booking appointments so close that the clients were forced to wait for the driver. In addition, Angel Heart Express willingly schedules after hours and weekend appointments to allow clients to attend holiday, family and church functions. So in summary, Angel Heart Express is available 24/7 to take individuals to essential appointments but will customize other transportation needs as well. I know this is how Mother would want Angel Heart Express to meet the needs of clients and seniors in our community. It is indeed my privilege to honor her in this special way.

Sue Wallace

Founder/President