For Devyn’s family, navigating the world of complex medical care isn’t just a challenge—it’s a daily journey marked by love, perseverance, and support. Sisters Erin and Elana have taken on roles that allow them to not only provide the best possible care for Devyn, Erin’s daughter, but also to find balance and support for themselves as caregivers.
Born at just 27 weeks, Devyn’s early life was marked by medical complexities, including a lengthy 15-month hospital stay. When she was finally discharged, Erin was faced with a decision that would change her life forever. After a 17-year career, she left her job to care for her daughter full-time.
As Devyn’s Home Health Aide (HHA), Erin provides hands-on, in-home care. But she doesn’t do it alone. Her sister Elana works as Devyn’s Structured Family Caregiver (SFC), ensuring that their home is filled with professional medical support and the family love that Devyn needs to grow and heal.
A Team Effort: The Power of HHA and SFC Together
Erin describes the transition from her career into caregiving as daunting but necessary. “When Devyn was finally discharged, I signed up for attendant care and immediately felt the support I needed,” Erin recalls. But when that option was unexpectedly taken away, Erin faced uncertainty. “I was afraid and unsure how I could continue caring for her while maintaining my household.”
The ability to utilize both HHA and SFC services has been a game-changer for the family. When Elana took on the SFC role, the weight of caregiving became easier to manage. “Having my sister, Elana, take on SFC while I handle HHA has been a huge blessing,” Erin says. “Caring for Devyn together has not only changed us as caregivers, but we believe it’s helped Devyn grow, heal, and thrive.”
For families like Erin’s, having access to a combination of HHA and SFC allows for continuity of care, helping Devyn feel secure, loved, and supported at all times. It also provides a valuable layer of respite for Erin, who, like so many caregivers, often needs time to rest and recharge.
The Gift of Respite: How Elana Supports Erin
In many ways, Elana is not only Devyn’s structured caregiver but also Erin’s lifeline. The bond between the two sisters goes beyond sisterhood—it’s a partnership in caregiving. “Elana has been my backbone since Devyn was born,” Erin says, grateful for the time her sister gives her to step away from her responsibilities.
When Erin needs a break, Elana steps in, offering her the opportunity to recharge. “There are many days where Elana can see that I’m burnt out,” Erin shares. “She’ll say, ‘I’ve got Dee. Go get some rest.’” These moments allow Erin to focus on self-care, making her stronger and more capable of providing the best version of herself for Devyn.
This dynamic highlights the importance of family support in caregiving, particularly when it involves a medically complex child. The ability to balance professional caregiving with the familial, emotional support that only a sister can provide is priceless.
Why Staying at Home is Everything for Devyn’s Health
When asked what it would be like if the family didn’t have the HHA and SFC options, Erin’s response is clear: it would be devastating. “The thought of not having these options is very scary,” she admits. “If I didn’t have this support, Devyn might have to be housed in a facility so I could go back to work. And for a child with medical needs, being away from home and placed in a facility is detrimental to their growth and development.”
For Erin, being able to care for Devyn at home means so much more than just managing her medical needs. It allows Erin to monitor her daughter’s growth, take her to appointments, be present for therapies, and most importantly, nurture and love her in a family environment.
Without the combined support of HHA and SFC, Devyn’s care would look very different. Erin emphasizes that being able to remain at home with her daughter gives Devyn a much greater chance to thrive, both physically and emotionally. “It’s a blessing I’m so very grateful for,” Erin says. “I wouldn’t be able to do this without HHA and SFC.”
A Family’s Love and Tendercare’s Support
Erin and Elana’s story is a testament to the power of family support in caregiving. It’s also a reminder of how essential services like Home Health Aide and Structured Family Caregiving can be in helping families care for children with complex medical needs.
Tendercare is proud to support families like Erin’s, providing the personalized nursing support and emotional care that caregivers and patients need to thrive together. By working together, Erin, Elana, and Devyn have created a loving home environment filled with hope, healing, and growth.
Key Takeaways for Families of Medically Complex Children:
- Utilizing both Home Health Aide and Structured Family Caregiving can offer immense relief and provide consistent, loving care at home.
- Respite care is essential for caregivers, allowing them to focus on their own health and well-being.
- Keeping a child with complex medical needs at home, surrounded by family, promotes emotional growth and development.
Join the Tendercare Family
If you’re interested in learning more about how Tendercare can support your family, contact us today to explore our personalized care options.
