February 14th is Valentine’s Day, but it is also National Donor Day. This is a day set aside to raise awareness about the critical importance of organ, tissue, blood, platelet, and bone marrow donation. Many elderly adults cope with feeling as though they are no longer an important part of the community or that there is nothing that they can do to benefit others around them. This is certainly not the case and donation is just one example of how they can play a life-changing role in someone else’s journey. Learning more about the value of being an organ donor can be a meaningful way for you and your aging parent to make a decision that will support feelings of importance, relevance, and giving back to the community while also taking another step toward preparedness for the end of life transition.

Some things that you should know about National Donor Day include:

• One organ donor can save up to eight lives.
• Up to 75 lives can be saved or dramatically improved through tissue donation.
• Each year throughout the United States approximately 500,000 people benefit from organ and tissue donation.
• More than 120,000 people throughout the United States are waiting for a life-saving organ donation.
• Each year approximately 8,000 people die while waiting for an organ donation.
• Being an organ donor does not impact the care or treatment that a person receives when ill, injured, or at the end of their life.
• Even if your senior is suffering from health complications, they may still be able to benefit others through donation of organs and tissues that are not impacted by their health conditions.

Starting senior care for your aging parent can be one of the best decisions that you make for them during the course of your caregiver journey with them. A senior home care services provider can be with your aging loved one on a customized schedule that is not only right for their needs and challenges, but also for the care efforts that you are able to give them. This means that you can feel confident that both when you are able to be with your parent and when you are not, they are getting everything that they need to manage their challenges and limitations in the way that is right for them. This keeps you at the forefront of their care while also encouraging them to live the safest, healthiest, most fulfilling quality of life possible as they age in place.

The staff at Home Care Matters is available to talk with you and your family about all of your needs. Home Care Matters is a home care agency providing quality and affordable senior care in Braselton, GA and the surrounding areas. Call (678) 828-2195 for more information.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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