Kentucky Grandpa

Some of the most rewarding moments we share at Bluegrass Care Navigators involve hearing family members express their sincere appreciation for the care that their loved ones receive.

Recently, we heard from Cheri, whose father, Joe, was in our care. She spoke about the compassionate and professional service that was provided to her family—but also how a special bond formed between her father and his nurse Anja, that can only be described as “family”.

Cheri recalled being impressed from the start, not only with Anja’s expertise and skill as a nurse, but by the warmth and compassion shown to her father and mother. “My father looked forward to each of Anja’s visits as she would engage him in thoughtful conversation, laugh at his jokes, and show a genuine appreciation for his many stories and songs.”

When Anja began caring for Joe, she had recently moved to Kentucky from Texas. “Joe had the sweetest soul and a jovial personality with the voice of a radio spokesperson. He and his wife Mary made me feel very welcome in their home,” she remembers.

With each visit, Joe and Anja continued to develop a special connection to one another. “Anja told me that she thought of him as her ‘Kentucky Grandpa’, and I believe he considered her to be like family too,” Cheri told us.

For Anja, being a hospice nurse isn’t just about providing care. “The most rewarding part for me is forming relationships with those I care for,” she said. “As time went on, Joe became someone who brought happiness and laughter into my life, although I was supposed to be the one uplifting him.”

Cheri’s experience is exactly why our mission is so important. “Because of the care that Dad received, his quality of life remained high until the end. Anja gave the entire family emotional support and comfort and helped make a difficult transition something of beauty and peace.”

Whether it’s spending more quality time with loved ones, creating lasting memories together, or grieving after a loved one is gone—Bluegrass Care Navigators is here to stand alongside all of it, like family.