Caregiving Impacts All of Us…Prepare Yourself for the Journey
Rosalyn Carter, former First Lady is quoted to have said, “There are only four kinds of people in the
world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be
caregivers, and those who will need a caregiver.”
It was my personal experience, combined with my professional background that inspired me to open
and operate a HomeCare service in the Metropolitan Milwaukee area. It’s been nearly 10 years since
SYNERGY HomeCare was opened, and we have helped close to 1,500 individuals and their families find
dignity, support, resources and sometimes cost savings on their own unique journey!
My story began about 20 years ago, when my Father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. At that
time, I was working for Lutheran Social Services as their Director of Special Needs/Residential Care. I
was responsible for creating a safe living environment and ensuring proper care and supervision for
individuals who needed more help to continue living in the neighborhood of their choice.
When I learned of my Father’s diagnosis, I knew my role would be two-fold: help my Father make
decisions about his care with dignity, and help my Mother stay emotionally and physically healthy as her
role of family caregiver grew over time. I was on a mission to advocate for their needs and ensure that
my Father was always the “driver” of his Care Plan.
At SYNERGY HomeCare, we approach all of our prospective families and existing families with the same
philosophy. Is there funding available to pay for some or all of our homecare services? Can we combine
professional caregiving with family caregivers to ensure the most dignified plan? What other resources,
like Senior Planning Group Private Case Management; would benefit your unique situation?
Reaching out for help is the first, but sometimes the hardest thing to do.
Make the first step before you find yourself in a crisis, so you can be more likely to be the driver of
your journey.
Sincerely,
Ruth Busalacchi, Certified Senior Advisor, Owner of SYNERGY HomeCare
Ruth lives in Hales Corners and has been married to Mark for 32 years. They have three daughters, two sons-in-law, 5 Grandchildren, and a Dog. Ruth enjoys spending her time with family, playing her Uke, and practicing Yoga.