05/01/2026
Helping a former military client be at ease
March 9, 2026 By Lisa Hoekstra
Paula Ford, Care is There’s Education Specialist, is very active behind the scenes but doesn’t often have a chance to interact with our clients. However, her commitment to Senior Citizens and helping them live independently is a lifelong passion – she once ran a respite program for adults and their families living with Alzheimers disease and dementia. It’s this role that Paula recently thought of, recalling one of her favorite participants: The Colonel.
Paula met the Colonel at an open house. His worn out caregiver needed a break and hoped that the respite program would be just what she needed. Everything about the Colonel, from his formal dress to his erect posture, screamed “former military”. During the open house, Paula got to know the Colonel, eventually inviting him to come back.
The Colonel did come back. It was during his first visit to the respite program that he noted the lax discipline there. This observation left the former military man feeling less than comfortable, as if he had to take action to repair the situation. Given that the program was intended as a place for seniors to come and be at ease, the Colonel’s state was not ideal. So, Paula spoke with him, working – and finally succeeding – to convince him that it was okay for him to be at ease while he was with her and her group.
The Colonel’s wife was thrilled to have time to do things she wanted to do, trusting that he was safe and entertained at the respite program. The Colonel relaxed, learning to enjoy new activities, like arts and crafts, and singing. In fact, he’d never sung much in the past and didn’t know how to read music. This new experience introduced him to something he enjoyed so much, that he’d even make up the tune as he went along.
Paula actively looked for activities that the Colonel would enjoy and introduced him to these new experiences over time. She arranged a visit from a horse, a field trip to a historic home where the Colonel had volunteered, and even brought fishing rods to the respite group, so the Colonel could demonstrate the best way to cast for fish.
The Colonel found that he liked not being at attention all the time and even stopped to pick violets for Paula on his way into the respite center.
During his time at the respite group, Paula enjoyed listening to the Colonel’s stories from the past. She even helped the Colonel and his wife record for his children memories of their past and messages of love. Her actions made him feel loved, valued and respected.
Paula was heartbroken when the Colonel died. She treasured their time together and was grateful she was able to make a difference in his life during his sunset years – not just by introducing him to new, novel experiences, but also by helping him express his love for his wife and family.
Paula’s love and care for the Colonel is exactly the care and personal attention that Care is There’s Executive Assistants show our clients. Getting to know the client, finding out what is important to them, and helping them live fulfilling lives is what Care is There Executive Assistants do every.
Do you need help managing the care of an elderly loved one in Charlottesville, Harrisonburg, Staunton, Culpeper, or Waynesboro, Virginia?
Contact us at Care is There Geriatric Care Management 800.434.1633 or info@careisthere.com. We offer geriatric care management, support for independent living, assisted living enhancement, Aging Life Care™ services, and peace of mind for long distance caregivers.
