Tell us a little about your business. – At Visiting Angels (VisitingAngels.com/Lincoln/Home), our mission is to help older adults remain safely and comfortably in their home. We provide compassionate in-home care that allows older adults to maintain their independence while receiving the support they need. Our caregivers assist with everyday needs like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, medications, mobility, companionship, and homemaker services. Our unique approach personalizes matching processes between caregivers and clients. We match clients to a caregiver who fits their needs and personality. Our ultimate goal is for older adults to remain independent while families know their loved one is supported, respected, and able to continue living life in the place they call home.
How did you get started in the business? – My journey began in high school when I started working as a CNA and medication aide caring for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. I quickly realized this was where I was meant to be, and caring for adults became my calling. These are individuals who have built our communities, raised families, and contributed so much. I went on to earn my degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a master’s degree in Health Care Administration. I gained experience in assisted living, memory and home care, and the Alzheimer’s Association, where I provided education and support to families and the community. I was inspired to open Visiting Angels so I could focus on helping older adults remain safely in their homes while receiving compassionate, dignified care.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Opening Visiting Angels and building a team of compassionate caregivers who share the same passion has been incredibly meaningful. Seeing the impact quality care has on clients and their families is something I never take for granted. I’m also very proud to teach Introduction to Gerontology at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, where I have the opportunity to inspire future healthcare professionals to advocate for older adults.
Tell us a little about your family. – I wouldn’t be able to do this without the support of my loving family. My wonderful husband, Shane, is incredibly supportive of my busy schedule, and we share life with our fur baby, Zeke, a Westie who is our Visiting Angels mascot. My parents, Dan and Diane, with my brother Elliot, have always been a huge part of my life. They understand that the work I do is more than a career for me. It is something I truly care about and feel called to do.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – Many people in the community know Zeke, our Visiting Angels mascot. Zeke was trained as a pet therapy dog and spent years bringing comfort and joy to our clients and senior communities. Although he is now mostly retired, he still enjoys visiting a few clients and community events and has a special way of brightening people’s days.
What local nonprofit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with? – The Alzheimer’s Association is very close to my heart because of the support and education they provide to families navigating memory loss.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – You can contact us at (402) 735-0999 or at VisitingAngels.com/Lincoln/Home.