I am writing as the advocate, friend, and Medical POA for Dee Whitten, one of your clients. I originally contacted Visiting Angels for Dee in June 2022. I had encouraged her to consider some help in her home as she was reluctant to visit an Assisted Living Facility. She loved her home and considered herself independent but knew she needed more help in her home due to mobility issues. I contacted several Home Care agencies in the area and just asked the general questions regarding cost, scheduling and availability. The Manager of the agency contacted me and after she understood what our needs were, offered to come out to meet Dee. Naturally, I was there as well and knew right away I had contacted the right agency. In a very caring way, Dee was interviewed from a personal perspective in what her needs were and although reluctant Dee admitted she did need some help but explained how she prided herself on her independence. She was questioned on her interests and her daily routine and in a very compassionate way, the manager explained how a caregiver could assist Dee in what was needed from Dee's perspective. Dee had spent several years living in Europe due to her husband's position and was very proud of that plus she herself had studied the various cultures she was exposed too and all of a sudden the Manager explained that she had a caregiver who was from Germany and may have a slot in her schedule for twice/week. Dee's face just lit up, she would love to meet this caregiver and give it a try. That interview process set the scene for the next almost 2 year journey with Milena Grau who followed Dee though the home visits through the lunchtime which Dee loved, the travel talks, the culture visits recalling England, Belgium, and Germany where Dee had herself lived and where Milena had also traveled and talking about South Korea where Dee had lived but Milena had not. Milena followed her through her serious fall in her home, hospitalization, rehab, a trial at an Assisted Living which was absolutely lovely but due to increased medical needs Dee could not stay, another rehab and then adjusting to the fact that a Nursing Home bed was the way to go where all her medical needs could be met as well as monitored for changes in her status. Due to the lack of family and basically a supportive circle, I encouraged Dee to keep Milena coming for "Companion Care" and that little extra personal attention and encouragement which is so important in adapting to new environments and new challenges. Milena was also interested in following Dee and their bond was evident and so helpful to Dee's slow progress in recovery and just her adjustment to her new home. Dee had some setbacks and rough days but looking at the last 22 months, Milena was a source of encouragement, strength, optimism, and really helped Dee not only appreciate her surroundings, but live more engaged and happier than before. Visiting Angels states that they try to match their clients with the qualities of the caregiver and they certainly did for Dee Whitten. The communication of the caregiver and the administration was excellent as well. As an Registered Nurse myself I have encouraged folks who are concerned about their loved ones who are in need to give this organization a try. I found them to be very professional and trustworthy and certainly interested in the surrounding community. I have also encouraged the local physicians I have been in contact with to recommend them. Dee was recently hospitalized and told everyone in the hospital how much she just wanted to get back to her life at the Nursing Home. She made it back for three full days and Milena was there with a special treat of a breakfast meal from Dunkin Donuts and lots of laughs that third day. Unfortunately the next day, she had a medical event and never recovered. Milena stopped by the following week in between her classes while Dee was in Hospice Care. She came for her shift on Dee's last day in this life at my request. She and I got to say our final goodbye to Dee that afternoon. I too appreciated Milena's excellent care and her unwavering concern these past months. Milena will be a wonderful addition to our health care system as she finishes her studies. Thank you for ALL you do Visiting Angels of Frederick!!!