Caring for Mom: A Local Daughter’s Story of Finding the Right Omaha Home Care
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“I thought I could do it all… until I couldn’t.”
My name is Melissa, and I’m a daughter, a full-time nurse, and most recently—a caregiver to my mother, Lorraine. She’s 78, full of wit and warmth, and the strongest woman I know. But after a minor stroke last fall, she wasn’t quite the same.
She could still speak, still smile, still remember the names of her grandkids—but daily tasks became difficult. Simple things like making breakfast, remembering her medications, and walking without fear of falling suddenly became overwhelming—for both of us.
I did what most daughters in Omaha would do: I stepped up.
But within weeks, I was stretched too thin—juggling work, school drop-offs, Mom’s therapy, and late-night calls when she’d forget how to use her walker. I was exhausted, emotionally and physically. And worst of all, I started to feel guilty every time I felt frustrated.
That’s when I knew I needed help.
The Search Begins: Finding the Right Fit in Omaha
I wasn’t ready to put Mom in a nursing home. She wasn’t either. She wanted to age at home, in the same house where she raised us. She wanted to drink coffee on the porch, watch her favorite mystery shows, and see her grandchildren every weekend.
So I started researching in-home care services in Omaha. And wow—there were so many options.
Some were national chains. Others were local. Some had glowing reviews, while others seemed too vague. But I was looking for more than just a provider. I wanted a partner—someone who would care for my mom like family.
That’s when I came across Xtrakare.
The Day Everything Changed
From the first phone call, something felt different. A local care coordinator actually listened. She asked about my mom’s personality, her habits, her likes and dislikes. She didn’t rush me. She didn’t try to “sell” me. She simply wanted to know how they could help.
We scheduled a home visit.
A kind caregiver named Angela came by. She wore a warm smile and brought flowers—for my mom. They sat and talked about old jazz records for 20 minutes before ever discussing care plans. By the time she left, my mom whispered, “I like her.”
So did I.
What In-Home Care Looks Like for Us
Now, three months later, Angela comes every weekday morning. She helps Mom get dressed, makes her breakfast, checks her blood pressure, and gives her medication reminders. She drives her to therapy, reads with her in the afternoon, and they even bake cookies together on Fridays.
I no longer feel like I’m drowning. I still visit every evening, but now I’m her daughter again—not just her nurse or scheduler or reminder.
I can breathe.
She can thrive.
We can laugh again.
Lessons for Other Omaha Families
If you’re like me—navigating aging parents, feeling torn between love and burnout—know this: You don’t have to do it alone.
There are wonderful caregivers in Omaha who can help your family stay whole, safe, and supported.
Here’s what I’ve learned:
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Don’t wait until you’re overwhelmed to ask for help.
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Look for an agency that treats your loved one like a person, not a number.
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Prioritize connection and consistency—not just qualifications.
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Trust your gut—you’ll know when it feels right.
Love + Support = Peace
Caring for my mom was the most important thing I’ve ever done. But letting someone help me care for her? That was the smartest.
If you're searching for reliable, compassionate in-home care in Omaha, don’t be afraid to reach out. You might just find a caregiver who becomes family—like we did.
💙 Let Xtrakare Help Your Family, Too
At Xtrakare, we offer personalized, one-on-one in-home care services across Omaha, designed to meet your loved one’s unique needs—with kindness, dignity, and warmth.
📞 Call us today at 5313257170
🌐 Or visit us online to schedule your free care consultation.