For more than 40 years, caregiving has never been just a job for this Senior1Care caregiver; it’s been a calling rooted in compassion, hard work and a genuine love for helping others.

After spending decades serving the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Georgia retired at age 67, but quickly realized retirement wasn’t for her. “I didn’t want to be retired,” she said. “I just love older people. I’ve always wanted to be hands-on.” At Senior1Care, she found exactly what she was looking for: The opportunity to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults.

Long before becoming a caregiver, she was already caring for others. She raised three children as a single mother before opening her heart and home once again to raise two grandsons, whom she has cared for over the past 12 years. Today, she continues balancing work, family and caregiving with remarkable dedication.

Her grandchildren have noticed. “They know how much I work,” she shared. “My 14- and 16-year-old are always willing to work because they say, ‘If Grandma can do it, I can do it.’” She also treasures time with her oldest grandson, now 28, who remains especially close to her heart. Whenever they can, they spend time together working on puzzles and simply enjoying each other’s company.

That same devotion extends to every client she serves.

Rather than simply completing assigned tasks, she believes caregiving is about creating meaningful experiences. Whether it’s taking a client outside to enjoy fresh air, attending Mass together, playing bingo or making cherished outings to visit a spouse (with a stop at Dairy Queen for a favorite milkshake along the way) she looks for ways to bring joy to each day. “Some people just want someone to sit with them,” she said. “But if they want to get out, I want to take them. If I could take them anywhere, I would.” Her clients notice the difference.

One of the most rewarding parts of her work is hearing that families and clients have taken the time to call Senior1Care to recognize the care she provides. “They deserve to have the best,” she said. That philosophy guides everything she does. She believes every client deserves dignity, engagement and someone who truly cares—not someone simply watching the clock.

When asked what advice she would give someone considering a career in caregiving, her answer was immediate. “If your heart’s not in it, don’t get in it. If you’re just there for a paycheck, don’t even bother.”

She also credits Senior1Care with matching caregivers with wonderful clients and creating an environment where compassionate care is valued. “I’ve never had a client from Senior1Care that I didn’t really like,” she said. “They have a lot of really good people they’re taking care of, and I’m happy they care enough to give them good help.”

Outside of work, family remains at the center of her life. She enjoys going to movies—especially scary movies—with her grandchildren, who even work as actors at the Niles Scream Park during haunt season. She also loves spending time with her chocolate Labrador, two cats and the family members who keep her life full and busy.

Her journey is a reminder that caregiving isn’t measured only by years of experience, but by the heart behind every interaction. For more than four decades, she has shown that the greatest gift a caregiver can offer is not simply assistance—it’s presence, compassion and the unwavering belief that every person deserves to be seen, valued and cared for.