News
Shauna’s story: Caregivers don’t have to go it alone
November 13, 2026
Shauna cared for her aunt during the last years of her life and was willing to do whatever she could. “She knew she could call me for anything.”
But where could Shauna turn for help with all the ins and outs of being a caregiver? The answer: Council on Aging.
“My aunt had no one else,” Shauna said. “She and I basically had an understanding throughout her life that I would be her caregiver as she grew older.”
Shauna’s caregiving journey began when her aunt experienced a serious health setback. That led to a period of medical care and rehabilitation before her aunt was able to return home. Living alone presented new challenges.
Shauna learned about Council on Aging’s FastTrack Home Program, which provides temporary support at home following a hospital or nursing home stay. Through FastTrack Home, the family received help identifying supports that could make the transition home safer and more manageable, with the goal of preventing another hospitalization.
Shauna’s aunt received modifications to help her safely navigate her home, including grab bars in the bathroom and a hand-held shower, as well as skid protection on steps that led to a basement laundry room. An emergency response system and a few hours of weekly homecare assistance rounded out her services.
Throughout her aunt’s recovery at home, Shauna was grateful for the support FastTrack Home provided to her aunt, but also for her as a working caregiver.
“It was my first experience dealing with an elderly relative – it was an eye opener for me,” Shauna said. “It is so helpful knowing there are agencies out there that can help me and I don’t have to do all the things by myself. You provide a crucial service.”
After her aunt passed away, Shauna happened to meet a Council on Aging representative at her employer’s health and wellness fair and stopped to share her family’s story and her gratitude.
“My aunt was a great one to reach out and ask questions,” Shauna shared. “She always knew she had COA as a resource available to her. She wanted to be as self-sufficient as possible. COA helped her to do that.”
November is National Family Caregivers Month. Find support for your caregiving journey through these resources: