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A Sincere Thank You to Our Amazing Community!

Fri, 27 Dec 2024 23:28:48 GMT

We just wrapped up our 17th Annual Grandparent Angel Tree program, and all we can say is WOW—our hearts are so full of gratitude for the incredible community support this year. This mission began as a small initiative to bring joy to less fortunate elderly members of our community during the holiday season, and it’s grown into something truly remarkable.

Thanks to you, 561 thoughtful gifts were delivered to deserving seniors, spreading joy, kindness, and a reminder that someone cares deeply.

We’d love to take a moment to celebrate the amazing effort this year and give a huge THANK YOU to everyone who played a part in making this season so special.

Your Love Expanded Far and Wide

This year, we saw our community spirit expand beyond borders, reaching hearts all the way to Albuquerque! With a little help from KOAT 7’s feature segment, our mission touched new hearts, and Albuquerque residents stepped up in a big way. People even ordered gifts through our local Walmart, arranging for them to be delivered directly to our office.

Picture this for a moment—Albuquerque locals carefully picking out gifts and coordinating deliveries so those in our community could feel what it’s like to be thought of and cared for. Such generosity and thoughtfulness from total strangers truly warmed our hearts.

The Gift of Giving

Every year, we set out with one mission in mind—to show the elderly in our community that they are not forgotten. For many, the holidays can be a lonely time, but through the Grandparent Angel Tree program, we work with YOU to bring hope and joy to their lives.

This program reminds us all of the power of generosity, compassion, and unity. Through gifts big and small, everyone came together as a community to uplift countless lives. From the carefully chosen items to the time spent ensuring those gifts made it safely into their hands, your efforts made this mission not just successful—but unforgettable.

 Thank you to our Grandparent Angel Tree hosts for making this possible:

Farmington Public Library • Journey Church • Defined Fitness • Oasis Church • Los Hermanitos • Costa Vida • Parker’s Office Supply • Animas Valley Mall • Citizens Bank (20th St.) • Buddy’s Home Furnishings

Hi Country Kia & Chevrolet • Kare Drug (Aztec & Bloomfield) • Walgreens • Natural Grocers • Weck’s • San Juan County Sheriff’s Office • Sacred Heart Catholic Church

Your generosity and support are truly appreciated!

What’s Next?

This year may be over, but we’re already looking forward to our 18th Annual Grandparent Angel Tree program! With the love and support of this incredible community, we know it will be even more impactful.

Until then, continue spreading kindness whenever you can. Whether it’s a kind word, a helping hand, or a thoughtful deed, your acts of love make a difference in our community every single day.

Thank you for coming together and making this holiday season brighter for our elderly. You are what makes this program so special.

#GrandPARENTAngelTrees #GiftOfGiving #CommunityLove #SpreadHolidayCheer #GuardianAngelHomeHealth #guardianangel #guardianfamily #HomeHealthHeroes #CommunitySupport #HolidayKindness #SpreadLove #ElderlyCare #GivingBack #MakeADifference #ActsofKindness #StrongerTogether

Grandparent Angel Trees

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 00:45:08 GMT

Guardian Angel Home Health, Inc. is hosting our 17th Annual Grandparent Angel Tree program!

We started this mission to collect gifts for the less fortunate elderly in our community. Over 700 are needed this year to meet the need of our growing population.

The primary goal of this mission is to bring hope and joy to them in knowing that someone has thought about them during the holiday season and to unite the members of our local community in a common cause - The Gift of Giving.

How you can participate:

Grab a gift tag from a Guardian Tree (locations listed below)
Purchase a gift according to gender, noted on gift tag
(we keep the names of gift recipients private)
Place unwrapped gift in a gift bag, and attach the gift tag.
Bring gift to:
Guardian Angel Home Health, Inc.
2800 Hutton Avenue
Farmington, NM 87402
Deliver your “Grandparent” gift on or before December 19, 2024.

Suggested gifts ideas:

Gloves, Caps, Blankets, Slippers, Scarves,
Large Print Crossword's, Playing Cards, Etc.
NO candy please!!

Grandparent Angel Trees are located at the following locations:

Farmington Public Library • Journey Church • Defined Fitness • Oasis Church • Los Hermanitos
Costa Vida • Parkers Office Supply • Animas Valley Mall • Citizens Bank (20th St.) • Ace Hardware Bloomfield
Buddy’s Home Furnishings • Hi Country Kia & Chevrolet • Kare Drug Aztec • Kare Drug Bloomfield
Walgreens • Natural Grocers • Wecks • San Juan County Sheriffs Office • Sacred Heart Catholic Church

We are so grateful for your support of those in need within our community! Thank you!
And a BIG thank you to all of our Grand Tree Hosts!

#GrandPARENTAngelTrees #GiftOfGiving #CommunityLove #SpreadHolidayCheer #GuardianAngelHomeHealth #guardianangel #guardianfamily #HomeHealthHeroes

Joyce: A Beacon of Hope

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 18:39:18 GMT

A Beacon of Hope: The Importance of Providing Genuine and Unique Care

In the realm of healthcare, few things are as gratifying as witnessing the progress of patients who have triumphed over significant medical challenges. As a speech therapist, Joyce Lameire provides hope for many of these patients recovering from neurologic issues, such as Parkinson’s and ALS. Joyce’s ability to provide both treatment and education has made her an instrumental member of the Guardian Angel team.

A Unique and Patient-Centered Approach
Joyce’s patient-centered approach to personalized care focuses on respiration, voice, speech, swallowing, and cognition. She is committed to tailoring therapy plans to the individual needs of each patient, understanding that each person’s experience with neurologic issues is unique. She considers their specific symptoms, their severity, and the patient’s personal goals for rehabilitation.

Particularly noteworthy is the emphasis Joyce places on incorporating breathing exercises into her therapy sessions. This is based on her understanding that proper respiration is key to effective voice control, speech, and swallowing, areas often affected by neurological conditions.

The Buteyko Technique
Breathing is such a fundamental and essential activity to our everyday existence that it’s easy to take it for granted. However, those with respiratory issues know all too well how disabling it can be. That’s where the Buteyko Technique comes in, a specific type of respiratory training that can be incredibly beneficial.
Instead of breathing through their mouth, patients are trained to breathe more efficiently through their nose, ultimately requiring less oxygen and improving their quality of life. With the Buteyko Technique, patients are able to do more, feel better, and breathe easier.

The ability to take patients off oxygen or reduce their reliance on it is revolutionary and shows the positive impact that small, tailored, and patient-centric approaches can have.

Beyond Physical Rehabilitation: Cognitive Recovery
Cognitive rehabilitation is another area where Joyce has excelled. She recognizes the importance of addressing this aspect of recovery following a stroke or other neurological events. Patients are involved in exercises that stimulate the unaffected brain side to enhance memory, attention orientation, and other cognitive functi ons.

A Holistic Perspective
A very personal journey for Joyce has been her diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis and the path to natural healing through education on pharmaceutical medications and their impact on health. By overcoming chronic pain, she delved into various approaches such as essential oils, medical aromatherapy, herbalism, and homeopathy. Moreover, the adoption of a carnivore diet has been transformative for Joyce, leading to significant improvements in her overall well-being, health, and vitality. When her patients are receptive, she frequently imparts her holistic knowledge as an additional personal touch, further enhancing the care she provides.

A Personal Touch

As a home health care professional, Joyce takes pride in providing care to her community. With a deep knowledge and appreciation for the area she serves, her visits cover quaint farmhouses to luxurious estates. Her intimate understanding of the local landscape allows her to navigate the most scenic routes and provide a comfortable, efficient visit to her patients.

Joyce Lameire, an amazing speech therapist, truly goes above and beyond for her patients. She creates personal connections, understands unique needs, and incorporates specialized knowledge of respiration into therapy sessions. With her patient-centered approach, extensive skills, and empathy, she brings hope to those dealing with neurologic issues, helping them regain their independence. Joyce isn’t just a therapist, she’s a caring confidante and a true symbol of dedication.

One Family’s Journey Through Hospice Care

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 18:27:37 GMT

One Family's Journey Through Hospice Care

When faced with a situation where a loved one requires hospice care, it can be a challenging and emotional time for the entire family. The Thompson family found themselves in the unique position of having both matriarchs, Joan Walsh and Marianne Thompson, in need of such services under different circumstances. Paul and Leslie Thompson chose Guardian Angel Home Health to provide the hospice services their mothers needed.

Two Mothers, Two Unique Stories, One Unwavering Support
The Thompsons’ story includes two remarkable women who found solace and comfort during their final days, thanks to the professionals at Guardian Angel Home Health.

A Mother’s Struggle with Age and Illness
Joan Walsh, Leslie’s mother, entered hospice care at the age of 90 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The family had already established a connection with the Guardian Angel staff through Leslie’s sister, Di Searle, who worked alongside them. Joan also had previous encounters with the Guardian Angel team when she underwent two knee surgeries. The team took charge of her post-surgical care and rehabilitation, providing intensive therapy that contributed to her successful recovery.

For over a year, Joan received comprehensive hospice services, physical therapy, and dedicated caretakers from Guardian Angel. Their adaptive and accommodating approach allowed them to closely monitor her health as it progressed. They visited more frequently, offered assistance with medications, and worked closely with her family. During her final days, the Guardian Angel staff provided unwavering support and comfort.

The Longest-Residing Namaste House Resident
Paul’s mother, Marianne Thompson, had been living in Namaste House for over a decade. At 96 years old, Marianne suffered a stroke, initiating her hospice care with Guardian Angel. While receiving primary hospice services, she opted out of physical therapy - her focus was on comfort and her immediate health needs.
Marianne’s health improved slightly after her stroke, resulting in fewer hospice visits. However, tragedy struck when she fell, breaking her hip. After a brief hospital stay and rehab, Marianne decided to go home to Namaste House, where she spent her final days.

Compassionate Care Across Living Situations
Both Joan and Marianne experienced the same level of professional, attentive, and compassionate care, regardless of their living situations. This consistency, coupled with the personal touch of their nursing staff, is what made Guardian Angel an exceptional choice for hospice care. Paul and Leslie have recommended Guardian Angel to numerous friends and acquaintances based on their experience.

Efficient and Personalized Care: The Guardian Angel Home Health Difference
One of the Thompsons’ cherished memories is how Guardian Angel streamlined the healthcare process. They recall how hospice doctors promptly addressed their mothers’ needs, responding much faster than the mothers’ primary care doctors.

Another significant aspect of their journey was the support and cooperation between Guardian Angel staff and the Namaste House staff, ensuring seamless and holistic care for Marianne. Above all, what truly stood out was Nurse Aracely, who was never in a hurry but always happy to visit and chat.

Recovering From a Brain Injury: The Power of Compassionate Home Health Care

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 20:10:41 GMT

“The dedication and care demonstrated by the entire staff are the reasons I stand here today”

Recovering From a Brain Injury: The Power of Compassionate Home Health Care

Sometimes, life takes unexpected turns. A severe brain injury can disrupt and seemingly shatter the most resilient individuals, putting immense strain on families and caregivers alike. However, as Richard’s remarkable journey to recovery demonstrates, compassionate home health care can make all the difference, restoring hope and healing wounded spirits.

The Therapeutic Touch: Lifting Richard’s Spirits
Neurologists provide limited information about what to expect with a brain injury. Each person’s experience varies depending on the location of the injury in the brain. Despite the physical pain and discomfort, it was the comforting presence of Guardian Angel, as well as their bedside manner that made a difference for Richard. When suffering with a horrendous headache, and struggling with a sense of depression, Mary, Richard’s trusted confidant and registered nurse, would sit and talk with him for a while, soothing his pain and bringing solace to his troubled mind. Richard’s physical therapist was also armed with empathy, expertise, and unwavering support. There were times when getting out of bed seemed impossible for Richard, hindered by the challenges of realignment caused by his injury. However, his care team encouraged him to rise and walk, guiding him through exercises that proved immensely beneficial.

“The exceptional support from Guardian Angel played a crucial role in my journey. The dedication and care demonstrated by the entire staff are the reasons I stand here today.” — Richard Burrows

The Coach by Your Side: Safeguarding Recovery Milestones

For nearly six months, Richard worked with his caregivers to enhance his health and well-being. “They provided not only physical support but also mental assistance,” Richard explained. “They diligently monitored my vitals and overall condition. Mary would inquire about my progress and well-being, following a comprehensive checklist. Moreover, Rass, my physical therapist devised a meticulous plan for our sessions. Together, we ventured outside, overcoming my walking difficulties by taking several walks to the river and back. It felt as if I had a dedicated coach by my side, guiding me every step of the way.”

Guiding a recovering brain injury patient requires a delicate balance between monitoring physical progress and supporting mental wellness. The team at Guardian Angel demonstrated an extraordinary talent in crafting customized treatment plans and instilling confidence in their patients.

The recovery rates for brain injuries can differ greatly among individuals. However, home health workers are skilled at personalizing their approach to suit the specific needs of each patient. Their dedication to Richard’s progress was evident in his enhanced walking ability and active participation in daily life, resulting in the achievement of significant recovery milestones.

More Than Just Providers: Building Personal Connection
sNavigating the path toward recovery is never a solo journey. The emotional support and personal connection Richard forged with his caregivers went beyond their professional roles. “They were not only a nurse and a physical therapist. I had a very close relationship with both of them. Like I said, their bedside manner, but they helped me so much.” Richard shared.

A Lifeline of Support: Making Milestone
Richard’s journey to recovery was nothing short of remarkable, and it is a testament to the power and impact of compassionate home health care. With the support and guidance of the Guardian Angel team, he was able to restore his hope and heal his wounded spirit, even in the face of physical limitations. Through dedication and tireless effort, Richard made impressive progress in his recovery, and he never lost sight of his ultimate goal: to explore and experience all of the beauty that the world has to offer. With his beloved dogs by his side, Richard embarked on an incredible journey to Williams Reservoir, where he was able to bask in the splendor of nature once again. It is through experiences like this that Richard is reminded of the wonder and joy that life can bring, and he continues to work tirelessly towards his goals, guided by hope and the unwavering support of the Guardian Angel team.

Di Searle: A Jewel with Many Facets

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 18:33:15 GMT

Di Searle: A Jewel with Many Facets

At Guardian Angel Home Health and Hospice, we often celebrate the unique talents and abilities of our employees, especially those who have dedicated their time and talents to better the lives of others. Meet an extraordinary member of our team who continues to make significant contributions to patient care and quality assurance: Di Searle.

A Lifetime of Experience
Di has accumulated an extensive range of experiences in the medical field throughout her impressive career. Having served in the Air Force for two decades, Di gained a diverse experience which added to her natural inclination to help others. She later returned home to New Mexico with her family. They settled back into Albuquerque, where she worked as a paramedic, providing crucial medical care to those in need. During that time she honed her leadership skills and developed a deep understanding of emergency medical procedures. She has years of experience in nursing, with a diverse background in surgical assistance, foot and ankle trauma, recovery room, and endoscopy center. Working at Guardian has given her the chance to apply her expertise, teach others and enjoy a sense of autonomy.

A New Path & The Inception of a Powerful Role
Di joined Guardian Angel in 2015 as a field nurse and, by utilizing her wealth of experience, she successfully contributed to her patients health and success. Unfortunately, due to physical limitations, Di had to make a shift from fieldwork.

As an inspiring testament to her resilience and proactive attitude, Di decided to take on a new role as the Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) Coordinator. This critical role, which she has since played with zeal and dedication, sees her working tirelessly to improve our healthcare services.

Diving into the World of QAPI
As the QAPI Coordinator, Di identifies areas for improvement and collaborates with the team to develop effective strategies. Di's knowledge helps identify risks, analyze data, and implement corrective actions for optimal patient care.

She creates a Performance Improvement Plan with specific goals and team roles. Di presents the plan, highlighting areas for enhancement. She prepares spreadsheets for data collection and visualizes progress with graphs. This process of analysis, goal setting, visualization, and improvement drives Guardian Angel's growth and excellence.

The intriguing nature of her role has sparked Di's curiosity and drive. She finds it utterly fascinating to delve deeper into chart analysis and various aspects of her job. This immersion enables her to leverage her vast knowledge to identify areas where improvements will not only benefit the company but also bring about a positive change for others.

One of the aspects she particularly enjoys is the opportunity to educate nurses. She cherishes these moments as they reflect her commitment and her sense of belonging. Guardian Angel has become more than just a workplace for Di; it's a community and a second home where she feels truly valued.

Beyond the Office: A Glimpse into Di's Interests and Talents
In 2008, Di's love for music inspired her to join The Caliente Choir, a local volunteer choir led by talented directors. The choir consists of people from all walks of life in the community and has held shows at various venues including the Totah Theater, local churches, Henderson Fine Arts Theatre, and the Black Box or the little theater on the San Juan College campus. Their upcoming events include a spring concert called Broadway for Brunch in May, a winter concert, and a fall cabaret.

Di encourages others who enjoy singing and are willing to put in the effort to join this wonderful group of hardworking individuals who aim to amaze the community with their performances.

A Unique Blend of Passion and Purpose
Di Searle is a shining example of dedication, resilience, and passion. Her multifaceted career, commitment to excellence, and zest for music are an inspiration to all of us. As she continues to balance her work, interests, and contributions to the community, Di reminds us that we can all harness our unique skills and experiences to make a difference. Through Di's inspiring story, we discover the transformative power of finding purpose and embracing our passions. Her unwavering spirit not only enhances our workplace, but also enriches the world beyond, as she brings her remarkable talents to the team. Here's to Di and the captivating journey she embarks upon, leaving a lasting impact on all who encounter her.

Grandparent Angel Trees

Sat, 09 Dec 2023 18:41:00 GMT

Guardian Angel Home Health, Inc. is hosting our 16th Annual Grandparent Angel Tree program!

We started this mission to collect gifts for the less fortunate elderly in our community. Over 700 are needed this year to meet the need of our growing population.

How you can participate:

Grab a gift tag from a Guardian Tree (locations listed below)
Purchase a gift according to gender, noted on gift tag
(we keep the names of gift recipients private)
Place unwrapped gift in a gift bag, and attach the gift tag.
Bring gift to:
Guardian Angel Home Health, Inc.
2800 Hutton Avenue
Farmington, NM 87402
Deliver your “Grandparent” gift on or before December 15, 2023.

Suggested gifts ideas:

Gloves, Caps, Blankets, Slippers, Scarves,
Large Print Crossword's, Playing Cards, Etc.
NO candy please!!

Grandparent Angel Trees are located at the following locations:

Farmington Public Library • Journey Church • Defined Fitness • Oasis Church • Los Hermanitos
Costa Vida • Parkers Office Supply • Animas Valley Mall • Olive Garden • Ace Hardware Bloomfield
Buddy’s Home Furnishings • Hi Country Chevrolet • Kare Drug Aztec • Kare Drug Bloomfield
Natural Grocers • Wecks • SJCSO • Sacred Heart Catholic Church

We are so grateful for your support of those in need within our community! Thank you!
And a BIG thank you to all of our Grand Tree Hosts!

#GuardianFamily #HomeHealth #GuardianAngelHomeHealth #GuardianAngel #CompassionateCaregivers

PMS Festival of Trees: A Resounding Success!

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 19:48:29 GMT

We want to share the success story of this year's Festival of Trees event! We were incredibly proud to sponsor the Senior Social, which took place on Friday, December 1st. Presbyterian Medical Services opened the doors of the Farmington Civic Center, offering FREE admission to all seniors in our community. The hall was filled with the delightful aroma of warm coffee, tea, and fresh cookies. The live entertainment was the cherry on top of this joyous gathering!

The most exciting part of the event was the moment our tree, "Cookies and Cocktails," was announced as the second-place winner! We w ant to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who attended and supported us at the PMS Festival of Trees this year! Your unwavering support and participation made this achievement possible.

Your presence and enthusiasm truly made this event one for the books. Thank you for making this event a remarkable one. We can't wait to see you all again next year!

Guardian Angel Home Health and Hospice, Inc. cares deeply for the community and when opportunity allows, loves to support like-minded organizations which we feel align with our mission and values.

#FestivalofTrees #guardianangel #guardianangelhomehealth #guardianfamily #seniorsocial #communitylove #ChristmasMagic

Grandparent Angel Tree Recap

Wed, 04 Jan 2023 21:27:26 GMT

Our 15th Annual Grandparent Angel Tree was a success!

Our 15th Annual Grandparent Angel Tree was a success! We are so grateful for the support of our wonderful community.

We started this mission fourteen years ago, with the primary goal of bringing hope and joy to the less fortunate elderly and disabled in our community, who are often feeling the loneliness of the winter months.

Thanks to your generous donations, Guardian Angel was able to spread some holiday cheer by delivering 490 gifts to local nursing home residents this year! It was truly a blessing to be able to hand-deliver these items to residents, as we have not been able to do that for the past 2 years, due to COVID-19 restrictions. It was an extra special time to visit with residents, and let them know we care about them, think about them, and pray from them often.

Thank you for helping us bring joy to your neighbors this holiday season!

THANK YOU to our Grand Angel Tree Hosts:

Citizens Bank Branches • Journey Church • Smith's Food & Drug • Texas Roadhouse • Defined Fitness • Costa Vida • Parkers Office Supply • Animas Valley Mall • East Main Safeway • Northside Church of Christ • Ace Hardware Bloomfield • Ace Hardware Farmington • Kare Drug Aztec • Kare Drug Bloomfield • Natural Grocers • Los Hermanitos • Wecks • SJCSO • Sacred Heart Catholic Church • 7-2-11 • Walgreens • Oasis Church • Grace Hill Church

#GuardianFamily #HomeHealth #GuardianAngelHomeHealth #GuardianAngel #CompassionateCaregivers

Festival of Trees

Mon, 12 Dec 2022 21:46:28 GMT

Festival of Trees

We had the opportunity to enter a tree into the 2022 Festival of Trees, supporting Presbyterian Medical Services. The theme of our tree was "New Mexico True" and our team worked hard to proudly represent our beautiful, enchanted state. We were honored to win FIRST PLACE! Thank you to everyone who voted for us and supported us this season.

#GuardianFamily #HomeHealth #GuardianAngelHomeHealth #GuardianAngel #CompassionateCaregivers

Grandparent Angel Tree

Thu, 08 Dec 2022 18:10:44 GMT

We are proud to host this wonderful event!

Guardian Angel Home Health, Inc. is hosting our 15th Annual Grandparent Angel Tree program!

We started this mission fourteen years ago to collect gifts for the less fortunate elderly in our community.

Over 460 gifts were collected last year with a goal of 600 this year as the population of our community's elderly has grown.

How you can participate:

Grab a gift tag from a Guardian Tree (locations listed below)
Purchase a gift according to gender, noted on gift tag
(we keep the names of gift recipients private)
Place unwrapped gift in a gift bag, and attach the gift tag.
Bring gift to:
Guardian Angel Home Health, Inc.
2800 Hutton Avenue
Farmington, NM 87402
Deliver your “Grandparent” gift on or before December 19, 2022.

Suggested gifts ideas:

Gloves, Caps, Blankets, Slippers, Scarves,
Large Print Crossword's, Playing Cards, Etc.
NO candy please!!

Grandparent Angel Trees are located at the following locations:

We are so grateful for your support of those in need within our community! Thank you!
And a BIG thank you to all of our Grand Tree Hosts!

#GuardianFamily #HomeHealth #GuardianAngelHomeHealth #GuardianAngel #CompassionateCaregivers

A Woman On A Mission

Mon, 05 Dec 2022 16:08:01 GMT

Jan—A Woman On A Mission

Since its inception, Guardian Angel Home Health Annual Grand Angel Tree program has seen incredible success through the gifts donated by generous community members. Each year during the holiday season, many of our local nursing home residents, who are often elderly or disabled, are feeling the loneliness of the winter months. But Guardian Angel is on a mission to change that!

Jan Arellano, a longtime employee of Guardian, has taken the lead in managing the program. As the holidays approach, Jan leads the way to collect donations—gifts, blankets, even trees—for lonely residents.
“I go around and put trees up at different local business sponsors that I’ve contacted. It costs the businesses nothing to be a tree sponsor. It’s to benefit our nursing home residents who seem to be forgotten sometimes and I’m never surprised with our community because they are so wonderful and giving and caring,”
says Arellano.

Having been involved with Guardian Angel Home Health for over a decade, and in charge of the Annual Grand Tree program for the past five years, she is no stranger to witnessing the kindness of strangers. “The very first year that I did it, we delivered over 530 gifts and I was able to go in and talk to the residents and hold their hands and just visit with them when delivering their gifts. A lot of times, they don’t have that”, she recalls.

Guardian Angel Home Health’s Annual Grand Angel Tree program mission became increasingly difficult to execute during the unprecedented challenges brought about by the pandemic. “COVID was really hard on the residents, so when we were able to do this again this year (2021), it was just so fulfilling.” Despite the ups and downs, Arellano remains committed.

Founded nearly 17 years ago, Guardian Angel Home Health works to grant dignity and empower families and loved ones of nursing home patients. “Our main goal is to keep you and your loved ones out of the hospital” says Arellano. “People heal better when they are at home with their own things.”
In-home care grants families and their loved ones the ability to lead a meaningful life together while preparing for tough transitions.

“I took care of my mom for three years before she passed, and it was the best three years of my life. I got to be with my mom, and I got to hear her stories and we just got to bond” shares Arellano.

Guardian Angel Home Health’s generosity extends throughout the year by supporting additional programs in our community. Despite the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, Arellano and her hardworking team remain focused on providing accessible community resources for all ages.

#GuardianFamily #HomeHealth #GuardianAngelHomeHealth #GuardianAngel #CompassionateCaregivers

A Thanksgiving Tradition

Tue, 29 Nov 2022 00:06:52 GMT

“Thankfulness is the quickest path to joy.”
– Jefferson Bethke

Thanksgiving is a time of reflection and thankfulness, and the caregivers at Guardian Angel Home Health love to make the most out of the holiday. Year after year, the team gather to assemble Thanksgiving meals and desserts for their clients.

After the meals are assembled and packaged, they are delivered with a kind word and a smile. This special tradition began as a small act of kindness for homebound patients who didn’t’ have family nearby, but has quickly grown into a much-loved day of service and friendship.

Guardian Angel Home Health cares deeply for the community and loves to make a difference right here in their own backyard. Wishing a wonderful Holiday Season to all!

#GuardianFamily #HomeHealth #GuardianAngelHomeHealth #GuardianAngel #CompassionateCaregivers

Guardian Angel When She Needed Them Most

Thu, 06 Oct 2022 16:18:09 GMT

Ernestine—Guardian Angel When She Needed Them Most

Ernestine Herd lost the love of her life and his mother in the span of six months.

Ernestin e first met Dennis Rees back in 1996 at a trade show in San Antonio, Texas when she, a musician, spotted Dennis’s handmade harps. “I told him, ‘Oh, you just must build me a harp. I have to have one too,’” she recalls. Many of Dennis’s family members have told the story that when he came home from that trade show, he started building a harp for me, having no idea if he would ever be able to give it to me.”

There was a connection from the beginning, but Ernestine lived in Tennessee and Dennis lived in Wisconsin. It wasn’t until 2009 when the two met again, completely by chance, when Herd needed an attorney in Phoenix and one of her friends recommended Dennis Rees. Ernestine recognized the name immediately. “I jumped out of my chair, and I was pacing up and down the hall,” she said. “Do I call? Do I not call? Is he married? Is he not married?” As it turned out, Dennis was pacing the sidewalk waiting for her to call. For Ernestine and Dennis, as soon as they reconnected, that was that. By 2010, they were engaged. She moved to San Antonio to be with him on the 4th of July 2014.

Not long after moving to San Antonio, Dennis’s mother, Verda Rees, who lived in Aztec, New Mexico became sick with congestive heart failure. So, the couple decided to move to Aztec to be closer to Dennis’s mother.
Dennis began to feel sick with what he thought was a sinus infection. Instead, the doctors found a lump. “I hadn’t been here [Aztec] for forty-five days when Dennis was diagnosed with stage four [esophageal] cancer.” The couple put off plans for their wedding to focus instead on both Dennis’s care and the care of his mother, Verda.

That’s when Guardian Angel Home Health came into their lives. As his cancer progressed, Guardian’s palliative care team were there to alleviate his symptoms and ensure he was as comfortable as possible.
Dennis’s doctors recommended hospice care services to help manage Dennis’s comfort and quality
of life.

When Dennis needed oxygen due to the mass growing in his throat, Guardian’s hospice team communicated his need with the doctor and made sure oxygen was delivered to their home the same day the doctor prescribed it. And, after Dennis’s tracheotomy, Guardian’s speech therapy team helped him learn how to speak again so he could continue to communicate, and Guardian Angel provided nutritional support in helping him adjust to his new diet.

“They were so wonderful through everything,” Ernestine says. “When I had questions, there was always an answer. And when I didn’t understand what needed to be done, they were there right away to help me. Guardian Angel’s care team was a great comfort, I think to Dennis as well, because he knew I didn’t have to go through this all alone.” Ernestine never got to marry the love of her life, who passed away on April 9, 2021, but she was able to stay by his side through it all.

After Dennis passed, Ernestine’s attention turned to Verda, Dennis’s mother, affectionately called “Grandma” by all who knew her. “She had congestive heart failure over the years,” Ernestine says. “Her heart was slowing down, and Dennis’s passing just devastated her.”

Guardian Angel Home Health started caring for Verda while her son Dennis was still alive. Guardian’s personal care team assisted Verda with the activities of daily living such as personal hygiene and chores around her home like shopping, laundry, and housekeeping. Verda also received therapy from Guardian’s physical therapy team to assist her in learning to use her walker. “Two gentlemen physical therapists came in,” Ernestine explained, “and they were just adorable. Still miss one of them quite a bit. I hope he knows I’m talking about him.” After Dennis’s passing, Verda slowed down physically and emotionally. Sadly, Verda passed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

#GuardianFamily #HomeHealth #GuardianAngelHomeHealth #GuardianAngel #CompassionateCaregivers

Living A Life She Loved

Mon, 08 Aug 2022 20:10:22 GMT

Betty—Living A Life She Loved

For Betty Mainard, playing golf and spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were all regular parts of her life. But when she suffered a hematoma, her mobility suffered, and she was unsure what this would mean. “I decided at my age and my tottering around that I needed a little physical therapy”, she said. So, Betty reached out to Guardian Angel Home Health, who helped pair her with a dedicated nurse and physical therapist to come to her house, and work with her. Soon she was back on her feet and planning travels to visit with friends. She was able to look back on her incredible journey to recovery, and the important role that having access to in-home care played.

Typically, Betty kept a busy schedule. She loved to visit her friends and play golf at the country club. She also had a family of nearly a dozen grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was surrounded by a loving network of friends and family. However, when she suffered a hematoma, which later worsened into an open wound, things became uncertain. For many elderly citizens, a serious medical accident such as this can mean major lifestyle changes, and a serious restriction on the lifestyles that they enjoy. Moving to a nursing home and being placed in the care of strangers, rather than your own family, can counteract progress and healing, and make it difficult for a return to normalcy when people are

taken out of their communities.

Thankfully, there was another option. One of Betty’s daughters, who works for Guardian Angel Home Health, put her in touch with the program and helped pair her with two wonderful caretakers. The nurse and physical therapist that Guardian Angel paired with Betty left such a good impression, she spoke of them fondly—Mary Dawn and Ashley Curley. “And we had a good time. We'd walk around in the backyard and then we'd come in the house, get me warmed up, and then come in the house and do my exercises.” Overall, Mainard described Guardian as “extremely good,” and had her sights set on reclaiming her life.

After finishing her therapy, Betty was in great spirits, showing off her collection of paintings that she had amassed over the years from friends and acquaintances, and making plans to take a trip to Arizona. She excitedly talked about restaurants and shopping malls, all places that she wanted to go with ease thanks to Guardian Angel Home Health. When asked about her experience with the program, Mainard said “all their employees are knowledgeable, dedicated, and very pleasant to be around. I would highly recommend them.” Instead of leaving her health, and

ultimately her future, in hands of a faceless system, Betty took control of her life and her health, and was able to get the attention she needed that let her continue to live the life she loved.

In May of 2022, Betty went on to her final home. She is dearly missed.

#GuardianFamily #HomeHealth #GuardianAngelHomeHealth #GuardianAngel #CompassionateCaregivers

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