It was just another normal day for Cindy.
Waking up, smoking cigarettes in bed. Never getting dressed or leaving her apartment.
This was Cindy’s daily routine for four years until Waypoint homecare staff member, Renee, walked into her life in October 2023. At first, while Renee did the grocery shopping, Cindy would be in pajamas with her bedroom door shut and the TV on at full blast and only interacting with Renee when she needed her signature. Renee sensed something was wrong. She discovered that Cindy was grieving the loss of her beloved dog, who had passed two weeks earlier. Renee knew that Cindy needed a friend, in addition to a caregiver. “I built enough trust over time, so she knows I’m not looking to do anything but help,” says Renee.
Over several months, Renee’s support transformed Cindy’s life.
She helped Cindy quit smoking, scrubbed the nicotine stains off the walls, decluttered and redecorated her apartment, removed the black-out curtains, and most importantly, lifted her depression by being the friend she needed and helping her to accept the loss of her dog. Once a week at 5 pm, they now share dinner off the clock as friends.
“I look forward to Wednesday because I know she’s coming over, and I don’t see anybody ever,” says Cindy. “My last friend passed away, so she doesn’t come see me.”
Renee’s passion as a caregiver is removing obstacles that stand in the way of seniors maintaining their health, independence, and wellbeing. She rearranged Cindy’s bedroom furniture to prevent falls and helped her navigate her nutrition despite numerous food allergies. “I’m celiac myself so I do understand the challenges,” says Renee, “…so it was easier for me to go to the grocery store and pull things that are naturally gluten-free or give her ideas.”
Renee’s ability to relate to Cindy helped Cindy overcome one of her longest unhealthy habits – smoking two to three packs of cigarettes a day. Renee, a former smoker, knew the difficulty of quitting. She made sure Cindy’s hands were occupied, which got her into a new hobby, crafting oceanic-themed coasters with colorful beads. This new hobby has helped Renee quit smoking for good. Renee also helped Cindy use technology to make things easier, including using Alexa to help her add things to the grocery list and Amazon to help her purchase items. “She loves Amazon!” proclaims Renee. Cindy proudly shows off her red heels and adds, “Shoes – never wore them. I also have makeup on today…my first time in probably 10 years!”
The power of care and friendship from Renee changed Cindy’s life. Renee started as a stranger, but now, according to both, they are family. Renee opened the blackout curtains and brought light back into Cindy’s life. Help changes lives, but companionship makes life worth living. In Renee, Cindy found a source of strength.
Changing a life doesn’t require grand gestures—just compassion, commitment, and belief in another’s potential. Renee exemplifies Waypoint’s values by offering not only help but genuine care along the way.
