Caregiving Journey: Terri’s Story

Turning Kindness Into Companionship, One Visit at a Time

At Touching Hearts at Home, every caregiver brings something beautiful and unique to their role — and for Terri Roggow, that something is heart. Almost a year into her caregiving journey, Terri has already created lasting memories and built meaningful relationships with her clients that reflect her belief in going the extra mile — especially when someone needs it most.

When a friend first introduced her to the opportunity at Touching Hearts, Terri immediately knew it was the right fit.

“I had a feeling it would be rewarding and exciting,” she said — and she was absolutely right.

Making Holidays Matter

One of Terri’s most memorable experiences came through caring for a client with no local family or support system. Knowing how difficult holidays can be for those who feel alone, Terri stepped in — not because she had to, but because that’s just who she is.

For the client’s 95th birthday, Terri treated her to a special lunch at a well-loved Italian restaurant. The celebration was full of joy, complete with staff singing “Happy Birthday” and a table full of smiles.

“She loved it,” Terri recalls. “It gave me so much joy just seeing her happy and celebrated.”

But it didn’t stop there. On Thanksgiving Day, Terri and her husband brought a warm turkey dinner from Cracker Barrel, complete with flowers and a heartfelt visit. In giving her client something to be thankful for, Terri received a gift in return: the deep fulfillment that comes from truly connecting with someone.

“Little did she know,” Terri says, “she made my day just as special.”

Listening, Learning, and Laughing Together

Terri believes that trust is built in the little moments — not just through what you do, but how you listen.

“I love hearing about their lives, families, and careers,” she says. “When you show genuine interest, it helps people open up. It’s not just care — it’s connection.”

Those connections often blossom into friendships, like the one she’s cultivated with her current client. “We laugh, we talk, we share. It’s fun — and it means something to both of us.”

Navigating Challenges with Compassion

Caregiving isn’t without its difficult moments, and Terri is honest about the emotional demands of working with clients who have dementia.

“It can be tough,” she says. “But I remind myself to be patient and always treat them the way I would want to be treated.”

Her approach is grounded in empathy and grace — meeting her clients with compassion, especially when communication becomes challenging.

A New Lens on Life

Since stepping into caregiving, Terri says her perspective on life — and aging — has shifted.

“It’s made me appreciate every single day,” she reflects. “You realize how precious time is. And how important it is to make someone feel seen.”

That mindset shows up in everything she does, from how she greets her clients to how she celebrates their milestones, no matter how small.

Encouragement for Future Caregivers

Terri’s message to anyone considering a career in home care?

“Try it. The staff is great, the clients are wonderful, and the hours are very flexible.”

She’s found a rhythm in caregiving that’s both meaningful and sustainable — and encourages others to experience the joy that comes from being a source of light in someone else’s day.

Why Home Care Matters

To Terri, home care isn’t just a service — it’s a blessing.  “It’s a godsend to both the clients and their loved ones,” she says.

Being able to provide companionship, dignity, and support — especially for clients who may otherwise feel isolated — is what gives this work its heart. And caregivers like Terri are the reason it matters.