Meng feels the same way. “She’s a wonderful woman, so easy to work with. I’ve been with Family Resource Home Care for four years and had just finished working with a long-time client who had passed away. It’s nice when you get to know your clients and become attached to them.”

- Meng Carlos
caregiver

Regaining Liveliness - Building a Friendship Across the Generations.

Passig and Carlos Even though Barbara Passig needs the help of an oxygen tube and her walker, she can’t help but reveal the feistiness of her youth.

“I spent my life working with beer drivers,” she laughs with a twinkle in her eye. She reminisces about driving with her father, who was a beer distributor. She started working in his office at age 18 and is proud to have retired as a teamster. Even in retirement, she remained active as an officer in her church and the events coordinator of her garden club.

Then, four years ago, at age 82, Barbara found herself alone when her husband died. Her daughter says, “She was no longer social or active; no one visited, and she wasn’t eating well or getting dressed. She had nothing exciting to live for.”

After several falls and hospitalizations, her daughter sought help from Family Resource Home Care, who sent over caregiver, Meng. Laura Hendrichs, Family Resource Home Care Staffing Supervisor, recalls how the two were thoughtfully matched.

“When Sheila (Sheila McKannay, Vice President of Client Care) came back and told me about Barbara and her personality, the first person I thought of was Meng,” Laura says. “They both have a terrific sense of humor and complement each other so well.”

Since Meng started providing Barbara with 24-hour care, Barbara’s attitude and health have greatly improved. Meng helps Barbara shower, does her hair, and accompanies Barbara to all her doctor appointments.

Barbara’s daughter says, “Mom insists that Meng knows more about her than I do. Meng is able to provide the doctor with insights about what my mom needs and what is happening in her life. When I call and invite Mom to dinner, she always says, ‘I have to ask Meng first.’ They go everywhere together.”