Rhonda, her caregiver, her daughter

Author

CareCorner - SoCo

Posted on

Jun 10, 2022

share-this
Share This

Rhonda told me, desperately searching for a way to fight off the tears that were filling her endlessly deep, blue, ocean-like, eyes, “Today’s the one-year anniversary, but I know she’s much better now,” referring to the death of her mother.


Rhonda Pepper was her mother, Vera Ruth Goodrich’s caregiver. She was diagnosed with Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). This is due to progressive nerve cell loss in the brain’s frontal lobes; it is the area behind the forehead or just behind the eyes.


Mrs. Goodrich, who went by Ruth to all who knew her, was a respected, long-time banker in Rocky Ford and La Junta. She had lived in her home with her son Richard after the passing of her husband, Rhonda’s father, but about six years ago, Rhonda started noticing some behavior changes in her mother. “She started getting up in the middle of the night and getting dressed. She would set the table for the entire family. She was doing things out of nature, financially,” Rhonda said.

This was the first of many cues in a succession, including, to Rhonda’s dismay, Ruth, who was still driving, got completely lost during a blizzard, ending all the way up in Limon. “This was in the early spring of 2009. I didn’t think we’d find her,” said Rhonda, whose husband Tracy, son Dylan and brother Richard made the drive, picking Ruth up from a diner.


She was already living with Rhonda and her husband at that point. “She moved in with us in January of 2009 but we didn’t get the diagnosis of Frontotemporal Dementia until May. Finally, everything we had been experiencing, it pulled it all together,” said Rhonda, with a look that can only be described as bittersweet. They finally had the answers to the why? but now what?

Caregivers are so often put in this role or a position of a role reversal.


Rhonda said in the beginning her mother could stay home alone. “Friends came in to take her to do things. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, they would take her to the Senior Center in La Junta and Swink.” Rhonda, who is a poised person, said she tried to maintain a level of organization as a caregiver, she kept things structured. “Mom would get up and get herself dressed in the morning and then I would leave her lists of little jobs to do while I was at work. She would take care of the dogs for example.” Rhonda said the fear of her wondering off was ever-looming.

In the fall of 2010 doctors confirmed that an auto accident that Ruth had been involved in during the summer excelled the progression of her FTD, compounding her dementia. Rhonda quit her job to stay at home with her mother full time. She said, with love and compassion, “That was my job.”

Prior to the accident Ruth was able to talk and walk, with assistance, but Rhonda said all of that faded. “Even though she didn’t speak, I could tell her disposition through her eyes. I could tell if she liked someone or a situation,” said Rhonda, her daughter, her caregiver.


As a full-time caregiver, Rhonda sought outside help a few hours a week, bringing in respite care. “This allowed me some down-time. I could go sit at the park and read a book; go to my own doctor appointments; attend group meetings for caregivers; it just allowed me to remove myself from the environment and recharge my batteries.”


Until or unless someone is in the position of being a caregiver, people don’t realize the effects, physically and emotionally, it has on them. The term respite literally translates to a time of rest.

Rhonda shared with me how blessed she felt to be able to quit her job and stay at home with her mother. “She made my life better,” she said. She also shared the realistic views behind closed doors and what it’s really like to care for an ailing adult. “It’s like taking care of an adult infant. Every two hours I would take her to the bathroom; I would shower her; I dressed her; I would change her wet and soiled pants; I would feed her.” Rhonda also said she was never fully rested, only sleeping lightly at night because she always had one ear on her mother.


As a dutiful and loving caregiver, Rhonda remained loyal to her mother’s lifelong regiments and to the things that made her life quality, making sure her hair was properly set, lips were adorned with lipstick each and every day and her favorite food was prepared and fed to her. Rhonda said, “I think it’s important, even for the CareProvider coming in to know the schedule, to know what she likes, what her favorite foods are.”


Ruth passed away on November 30, 2014. Rhonda said that while she was able to spend time with her mother during her final months, she really misses the conversation that they once shared, which is the sad part of dementia.




Gina (Paradiso) Cathcart is the director of CareCorner, Ltd., Colorado Respite Care. She is a healthcare educator, passionate about service to others and quality of life. She can be reached at 719-691-5206

Other Articles You May Like

Blissed to Assist: Personal Assistance for Busy Lives in Fort Collins and Northern Colorado

Life today moves fast. Between managing careers, nurturing families, and maintaining personal well-being, many people feel stretched thin. For busy professionals, families, and seniors alike, there never seem to be enough hours in the day to handle it all. Thats where Blissed to Assist comes in. Based in Fort Collins and proudly serving Northern Colorado, Blissed to Assist offers personalized support services designed to simplify life, restore balance, and free up your valuable time.Whether you need organizational help, day-to-day assistance, or someone you can count on to keep life running smoothly, Blissed to Assist provides trusted solutions with a personal touch.The Vision Behind Blissed to AssistThe inspiration for Blissed to Assist came directly from the lived experiences of owner and founder, Lauren Bussey. While balancing the demands of a directorship role, pursuing another degree, nurturing personal relationships, and managing family responsibilities, Lauren found herself in a position familiar to manyoverwhelmed and in need of support.What she discovered was a gap in available services. While there were options for task-specific help, there was no comprehensive, compassionate, and customizable support tailored to professionals, families, and seniors juggling diverse needs. Instead of settling, Lauren turned her challenge into an opportunity.Drawing from her background as a caregiver, educator, and executive, Lauren built a business rooted in her own values of integrity, compassion, safety, adaptability, respect, and excellence. Today, Blissed to Assist continues that mission: to empower clients by providing the very type of personal assistance she once needed herself.About the Owner: Lauren BusseyLauren is more than an entrepreneurshe is a caring professional who understands firsthand the weight of competing responsibilities. Her personal and professional journey uniquely prepared her to create Blissed to Assist, a service that blends practical solutions with genuine compassion.Outside of work, Lauren lives a fulfilling life as a proud pet mom and an adventurer at heart. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, attending live concerts, skiing, kayaking, cooking, and horseback riding. Her zest for life and wide range of interests shine through in the way she connects with her clientsbringing empathy, energy, and balance to every interaction.Tailored Services for Every LifestyleAt Blissed to Assist, no two clients are alike. Thats why every service is tailored to individual needs, ensuring support that fits seamlessly into your life. Services are available in both in-person and virtual formats, offering flexibility for modern schedules.Here are some ways Blissed to Assist can help:For Busy Professionals Time management & scheduling support so you can focus on what matters most. Organizational solutions for both work and home life. Errand running & task management to take care of the details that weigh you down. Virtual administrative support for emails, scheduling, and project coordination. For Families Household organization to bring structure and peace of mind to busy homes. Errands & shopping assistance for everything from groceries to appointments. Support for parents juggling multiple responsibilities, ensuring no task gets overlooked. Coordination of family activities or schedules for smoother daily routines. For Seniors Compassionate companionship to reduce feelings of isolation. Assistance with appointments, errands, and household tasks to promote independence. Personalized organization solutions to create a safe, comfortable home environment. Flexible, respectful support that honors dignity and enhances quality of life. Whether its streamlining your office workload, organizing your home, or providing reliable personal support, Blissed to Assist creates a custom plan designed to fit your unique lifestyle.Why Choose Blissed to Assist?In a world of generic service providers, Blissed to Assist stands apart. Heres why clients across Northern Colorado trust Lauren and her team: Locally Owned & Independent As a Fort Collinsbased business, Blissed to Assist understands the local community and provides personalized care that national companies simply cant match. Values-Driven Service Integrity, compassion, adaptability, and excellence guide every client interaction. Comprehensive Support From small daily tasks to larger organizational projects, no need is too big or too small. Customized Approach Every client receives a plan built specifically for them, ensuring meaningful results. Safety & Trust Your comfort, privacy, and peace of mind are always the top priorities. Serving Fort Collins and Northern ColoradoBlissed to Assist is proud to serve Fort Collins, Loveland, Greeley, Windsor, and the greater Northern Colorado area. As a region known for its blend of vibrant city life and outdoor adventure, Northern Colorado attracts busy professionals, growing families, and retirees alike. Blissed to Assist offers the support needed to help each of these groups live fully and stress-free.Whether youre navigating the fast-paced environment of a career, seeking balance for your household, or looking for extra support as a senior, Blissed to Assist is your trusted partner.The Bigger Picture: A Life Well-LivedAt its core, Blissed to Assist is about more than just completing tasksits about helping people reclaim their time, energy, and peace of mind. With reliable assistance and compassionate service, clients are free to focus on what truly matters: building careers, making memories with family, enjoying hobbies, or simply embracing more balance in everyday life.By stepping in where needed, Blissed to Assist gives clients the gift of a life less cluttered and more fulfilling.Get Started TodayIf youve ever felt the stress of too many responsibilities and not enough hours in the day, youre not aloneand you dont have to do it all by yourself. Blissed to Assist is here to simplify life and provide the personalized support youve been searching for.Discover how Blissed to Assist can help you: Regain valuable time Reduce stress Stay organized Enjoy more of the life youve worked hard to create Serving Fort Collins and all of Northern Colorado, Blissed to Assist is ready to be your trusted partner in creating a more organized, efficient, and joyful daily experience.Final ThoughtsOwner Lauren Bussey founded Blissed to Assist because she knew the need for reliable, tailored personal assistance was real. What started as a solution for her own overwhelming schedule has grown into a business dedicated to helping others live with more ease and fulfillment.With services rooted in care, trust, and flexibility, Blissed to Assist is more than a service providerits a partner in your journey toward balance and well-being. Take the first step today. Regain your valuable time, and let Blissed to Assist support you in creating the life you deserve.

Right at Home Grand Junction: Devoted to Our Clients & Care Team

At Right at Home Grand Junction, our mission has never been to become the biggest home care companyits to be the best. For us, home care is not just a service; its a calling. We believe that every senior, every adult with disabilities, and every family caregiver we serve deserves the highest level of compassion, respect, and professional care. That same commitment extends to our own team of caregivers and staff, who are at the very heart of what we do.This year, we are proud to announce that Right at Home Grand Junction has been recognized with the 2025 Best of Home Care Leader in Experience, Provider of Choice, and Employer of Choice awards. These honors mean the world to us because they are based not on self-reporting, but on independent third-party interviews with our clients and caregivers. To us, these awards are more than accoladesthey are living proof of the trust, care, and dedication that flow through our entire organization every single day.What the Awards MeanThe Best of Home Care awards, presented by Home Care Pulse, are considered the benchmark of quality in the home care industry. They are based on surveys conducted directly with clients and caregivers, ensuring that the results reflect the real experiences of the people we serve and the professionals who serve with us. Leader in Experience: This is the highest distinction available, recognizing agencies that consistently deliver outstanding service across every area of care. Provider of Choice: Awarded to home care agencies whose clients rate them among the best for quality of care, professionalism, and communication. Employer of Choice: Granted to agencies that caregivers themselves rank highly for training, support, communication, and overall job satisfaction. Earning all three awards simultaneously is rare, and we are deeply humbled to have achieved this milestone. As our owner puts it: The 2025 Best of Home Care awards are based on third-party interviews with clients and caregivers. These awards reflect our unwavering commitment to our clients, caregivers, and care team. Right at Home Grand Junction boasts an extraordinary staff of highly trained, experienced, and compassionate professionals who help our clients every day. Why Being the Best Matters More Than Being the BiggestIn an industry that continues to grow rapidly, many agencies measure success by the number of clients they serve or the size of their staff. At Right at Home Grand Junction, we measure success differently. For us, success is when: A client feels safe, comfortable, and truly valued in their own home. A family caregiver finally gets the peace of mind they need after months of stress. A caregiver feels proud to be part of our team and supported in their career. We believe that quality will always outweigh quantity. Thats why our focus is not on expansion at all costs, but on making sure that each client and each caregiver experiences the Right at Home difference.A Devoted Care TeamBehind every award and every client success story is our incredible team of caregivers and support staff. These are the people who bring our mission to life.Our caregivers go through rigorous training that equips them to handle everything from companionship and personal care to specialized support for individuals with dementia, mobility challenges, or chronic health conditions. But beyond skills, what truly sets them apart is their compassion. Every day, they provide care that is professional, dignified, andabove allpersonal.Equally important is our support staff, who coordinate care, communicate with families, and ensure that every plan of care is customized to fit the clients unique needs. Together, our caregivers and office team form a strong circle of support for both clients and families.How We Serve Our ClientsRight at Home Grand Junction offers a broad range of in-home care services designed to support seniors and adults with disabilities in living independently, safely, and with dignity. These services include: Companionship and homemaking: Friendly visits, light housekeeping, meal preparation, and transportation for errands or appointments. Personal care: Assistance with bathing, grooming, mobility, medication reminders, and other daily needs. Specialty care: Tailored services for those with dementia, chronic illness, or complex care requirements. Respite care: Relief for family caregivers who need time to rest and recharge. Each care plan is flexible and personalized, meaning families never have to settle for one-size-fits-all support. Our goal is always to adapt care around the individuals lifestyle and preferencesnot the other way around.Supporting Families Along the WayCaring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be exhausting and overwhelming. Many families dont know where to turn when they begin to notice changes in a parent or spouses ability to live independently. At Right at Home Grand Junction, we step in as a trusted partner.We offer free in-home consultations to assess needs, answer questions, and build customized care plans. We also stay in ongoing communication with families so they never feel left in the dark. That support, combined with our award-winning care team, helps families focus less on worry and more on enjoying meaningful time with their loved ones.A Culture of Care for Our CaregiversWe know that delivering the best client care starts with taking great care of our caregivers. Thats why being named an Employer of Choice is one of the honors we cherish most.We invest in our team with: Ongoing training and education to help caregivers grow professionally. Open communication channels so staff always feel heard and supported. Flexible scheduling that respects caregivers personal lives. Recognition and appreciation for the incredible work our team does daily. When caregivers feel valued, respected, and supported, they can bring their very best to the clients they serve.Looking AheadThe need for quality in-home care continues to grow in Mesa County and across the country. As the aging population increases, families are seeking trusted providers who can deliver both professionalism and compassion.At Right at Home Grand Junction, we see the future not as a challenge, but as an opportunity to make a greater impactone client, one family, and one caregiver at a time.Our devotion to excellence means we will never stop striving to improve the experience for those we serve. Whether thats adopting new training, expanding specialty programs, or finding new ways to support caregivers, our eyes remain on the same goal: being the best home care company in our community.Final ThoughtsReceiving the 2025 Best of Home Care Leader in Experience, Provider of Choice, and Employer of Choice awards is an incredible honor, but the true reward is knowing that our clients and caregivers feel supported, valued, and cared for.At Right at Home Grand Junction, we remain steadfast in our mission: to improve the quality of life for those we serve. We are devoted not only to our clients but also to the team that makes our work possible. Together, we are building a culture of care that truly sets us apart. If your family is looking for trusted, compassionate home care in Grand Junction, or if youre a caregiver searching for a rewarding career, we invite you to connect with us today. Because at Right at Home Grand Junction, were not trying to be the biggestwere committed to being the best.

Seniors Resource Center: Empowering Older Adults to Thrive at Home

Seniors Resource Center: Empowering Older Adults to Thrive at HomeAging brings both challenges and opportunities. For older adults and their families, the path to comfortable, independent living can feel complexespecially amid concerns like health conditions, isolation, or caregiver stress. Seniors Resource Center (SRC) is local to the Denver metro region and is devoted to smoothing that journeyproviding a comprehensive network of services designed to help individuals age safely and meaningfully at home.A Trusted Community Partner With Decades of ExperienceFor nearly 46 years, Seniors Resource Center has shown unwavering commitment to older adults across metro Denver and surrounding mountain communities. As a nonprofit organization, SRC offers services that support independence, dignity, and connectionbuilding a safety net that uplifts both seniors and their caregivers.A Holistic Array of Services to Support Aging in PlaceSRC employs a whole-person approach, wrapping clients and families in services that address daily needs, social engagement, safety, and much more.In-Home Care and Chores ServicesDaily tasks can become more difficult with age. SRCs in-home companions provide essential help with meal prep, light housekeeping, errands, and companionship. Additionally, the Chores & Minor Home Upkeep Program offers help with deep cleaning, yard work, or organizingensuring homes stay safe and comfortable.Adult Day & Respite ProgramsThe Adult Day Center offers social connection, engaging activities, and supportive care in a community settingideal for older adults with cognitive challenges or mobility limitations. At the same time, caregivers benefit from trusted respite care, gaining time to recharge while knowing loved ones are safe and engaged.Care ManagementNavigating care needs can be overwhelming. SRCs Care Managers work one-on-one with older adults and families to assess needs, coordinate services, and build a clear, adaptable care plan that aligns with personal goals and evolving circumstances.Caregiver SupportCaring for a loved one can be a demanding, isolating role. SRC offers caregiver support through coaching, education, support groups, and emotional guidancehelping caregivers regain strength and sustain their vital role with confidence.Information & Referral ServicesSRC staff offer knowledgeable guidance and referralsconnecting people with benefits, programs, or services that align with their needs. Its a trusted starting point in navigating the many resources that exist for older adults.Impact You Can See and ExperienceWithin a single year, SRC delivered over 51,000 hours of services including in-home care, adult day support, chores assistance, and caregiving respite. Client feedback reflects the impact: 100% of homemaker and personal care clients reported reduced loneliness and stress. Nearly all adult day and caregiver support clients rated services as excellent or good. 98% of clients noted an improvement in quality of life. 94% reported that SRCs support helped them maintain independence. These outcomes reflect not just effective servicesbut meaningful, life-enhancing care.Why SRC Stands ApartTrusted, comprehensive support SRC offers an integrated suite of servicesfrom companionship in the home to structured day programs, caregiver coaching to personalized planningso families dont have to piece together help from multiple places.Local, community-rooted presence Based in Wheat Ridge, SRC serves nearly the entire Denver metro regionincluding mountain and rural communitiesmaking local knowledge and connections a core strength.Nonprofit with lasting impact Rather than a business model, SRC operates with a mission: to empower seniors and caregivers with care, advocacy, and support rooted in respect and compassion.Services at a GlanceService AreaBenefit for Seniors and CaregiversIn-Home Care & ChoresDaily support and a clean, safe home environmentAdult Day & RespiteEngagement for seniors and essential relief for caregiversCare ManagementPersonalized planning and coordinated service navigationCaregiver SupportEmotional, educational, and peer support to prevent burnoutInformation & ReferralsExpert solutions for diverse needs and benefitsA Partner for Every Aging JourneyAging is not a single pathits a journey shaped by health, relationships, and personal goals. Seniors Resource Center stands beside individuals and families at every turn, offering compassionate direction, practical support, and reassurance that they do not walk these steps alone.Whether your priority is maintaining independence, finding social connection, balancing care responsibilities, or planning for the futureSRC provides choices that align with your life. Contact Seniors Resource Center today to explore how their network of in-home care, day support, caregiving coaching, and planning services can help you thrive at home, in community, and with dignity.

Local Services By This Author

CareCorner Respite Care

Caregiver Support Services , Pueblo, Colorado, 00000

We provide in-home care and companionship to individuals who may be struggling from the complications of an illness, surgery, or injury, may be aging and/or declining in health, or a disabled adult.We are peoplecaringfor people.Woman owned and operated in South Colorado.CareProviders are in your area: Prowers, Kiowa, Baca, Bent, Otero, and Pueblo County.

CareCorner Respite Care

Senior Transition Services , Pueblo, Colorado, 00000

We provide in-home care and companionship to individuals who may be struggling from the complications of an illness, surgery, or injury, may be aging and/or declining in health, or a disabled adult.We are peoplecaringfor people.Woman owned and operated in South Colorado.CareProviders are in your area: Prowers, Kiowa, Baca, Bent, Otero, and Pueblo County.

CareCorner Respite Care

Pet Care & Services , Pueblo, Colorado, 00000

We provide in-home care and companionship to individuals who may be struggling from the complications of an illness, surgery, or injury, may be aging and/or declining in health, or a disabled adult.We are peoplecaringfor people.Woman owned and operated in South Colorado.CareProviders are in your area: Prowers, Kiowa, Baca, Bent, Otero, and Pueblo County.