Our Story

Did you ever think you would be in this situation – needing help care giving for someone you love? While caring for my special needs adult daughter, Lilly,  the stress started to cause my world to crumble around me. With one phone call, soon I had qualified caregivers coming to my home 7 days a week; a few hours in the morning and evening providing companionship and care for my daughter and immense RELIEF for me. I KNOW that HELP changes everything.

The services of a Caregiver will enrich the life of the one you care for, and provide the opportunity for you to recharge.

Why had I waited so long? I thought I would always be able to care for my special needs,  adult children. Jessica and Elizabeth (Lilly) were born with the genetic disease, Leukodystrophy. They were not supposed to live to see their teenage years. Jessica had declined steadily over 17 years, spending the last 18 months on home hospice. Lilly was not 100%, but certainly she was up and around, enjoying life and helping me with Jessica’s care. We had nursing care and home hospice a few hours a week who provided support, monitored her condition and helped me understand a new level of caregiving. They supported our family until Jessica passed away in August of 2012 at the age of 34.

Only 8 weeks into grieving the loss of Jessica, Lilly fell and fractured her back. This trauma caused the Leukodystrophy to escalate and rapidly deteriorate her health, requiring 24/7 care. She had pneumonia, blood clots, seizures, required oxygen and was unable to stand or walk. Nights with no sleep, stress and worry, physical exhaustion and raw nerves began to take me over. While Lilly wasn’t in need of hospice care, I desperately needed daily, consistent help to care for her. That’s when I made the call. I had caregivers who came and assisted me in her daily personal care needs.  They allowed me a bit of time to walk away and breathe.  In July of 2014 it was necessary to put Lilly on home hospice.  Her  medical condition required weekly and sometimes daily monitoring by the RN.  Her PCA  (Personal Care Attendant) continued to come and assist me.  She became her friend.  She looked forward to someone paying 100% attention to her.

It is now, November 2, 2014.  It is with much sadness, I update the story to include Lilly’s passing.  Just two years after falling she is gone.  These two years have been a roller coaster of continual care.  Her needs escalating and her comfort in constant flux.  The caregivers assisting me were a blessing indeed.  Their dedication and care helped Lilly find comfort and companionship.  There were days, I would just return phone calls or run to the grocery store while they were here.  Finding a few moments to re-group.  It was valuable as a family caregiver…having  respite, and for her, the caregiver to lift her spirits and help meet her needs. The  hospice nurses and doctor’s were always available for advice and support.  I have worked closely with them.

My experiences have only increased my “dedication” to make a difference in the lives of my clients and their families.  I know that Compassion Crest Home Care will bring “peace of mind” to you and the care your loved one needs. I am available 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week.  I will personally oversee the needs of your loved one, with compassionate , qualified caregivers.  Out of town, I will communicate  easily with you to provide updates and answer questions.  Compassion Crest LLC is like a concierge of services.  We will help facilitate resources needed  for your family member in town.  I take serious the care of your loved one.  This is not a job to me.  This is an opportunity to provide a quality service;  reliable,  trustworthy and dedicated to making a difference.

Please call me, Pam Starr, at Compassion Crest because I DO understand and truly believe “the best care is Home Care”.

Jessica 1978-2012

Elizabeth (Lilly) 1979 -2014