72 Hours of Trust: What It Means When a Family Hands You the Most Precious Thing They Have
I want to share something that meant a lot to me.
Because sometimes people think caregiving is just a job — like a list of tasks you show up and complete.
But in private in-home care, there are moments that go so much deeper than that.
This is one of them.
When a Family Leaves… and Trusts You to Help Hold It All Together
This family had a vacation planned.
Originally they were going to fly, but because my client is autistic and nonverbal, they knew a flight wasn’t going to go well. It would’ve been too overwhelming and too stressful for him.
So instead, the family planned something different.
They went on their trip for a full week — and because this kind of care takes a lot of support, they shared responsibility between me and a trusted family friend.
I helped during one day that week, and then I took over the biggest stretch:
Over 72 hours straight.
And I don’t think people realize how much trust that takes.
To leave your home.
Your child.
Your routine.
Your pets.
Your peace of mind…
And place it in someone else’s hands.
That trust isn’t small.
It’s sacred.
Caregiving Isn’t Just Care — It’s Responsibility
During those 72+ hours, I was responsible for everything.
It was:
cooking 3 meals a day
helping with 4 showers
keeping his routine calm and consistent
making sure his needs were met at all times
caring for two dogs
and making sure the home stayed safe, clean, and steady
And I also want to note this, because it matters:
“His mom is a nurse and gave me permission to pass medications during this time. Medication administration is not something I normally offer as part of my services, and this was done only with parental direction and consent.”
That’s the kind of trust that goes beyond words.
The Little Moments Matter Most
In the middle of all the responsibilities, we still made time for the moments that make life feel normal and happy.
We went for drives — and one of our favorites was going to look at Christmas lights.
Simple to some people…
But for him, it was comforting. It was routine. It was joy.
And we took another drive to go grab Taco John’s Potato Olés for a snack (because honestly… who doesn’t love Potato Olés?)
Those moments weren’t just “something to do.”
They were connection.
They were comfort.
They were part of keeping his world steady while his family was away.
When He Missed His Mom
This part got me.
My client is nonverbal — but he does have one word.
“Mom.”
And while his family was gone, he said it.
As a caregiver, moments like that hit your heart in a way you can’t explain unless you’ve lived it.
Because even though he may not communicate the way most of us do…
He still feels deeply.
He still loves deeply.
He still misses deeply.
So in those moments, my job wasn’t just to “watch him.”
My job was to help him feel safe.
To comfort him.
To stay calm and steady.
To be a safe person while his heart was missing the person he loves most.
This Is What Trust Looks Like
Sometimes trust looks like:
allowing a caregiver into your home
letting someone learn your child’s routine
sharing what works, what doesn’t, what triggers stress
trusting someone to stay consistent when you aren’t there
And sometimes trust looks like a family saying:
“We need a break. We need rest. We need this vacation.
And we trust you.”
That is the kind of trust I do not take lightly.
A Note From Me
I’m proud of the bond I’ve built with this client and his family.
And I’m honored they trusted me as part of their care team — not just with tasks…
but with his emotional comfort, his home, and his routine.
Because this is what Kayla Cares LLC is built on:
Care that is consistent.
Support that families can trust.
And love that meets people right where they are
Need Support?
Caregiving can be heavy — and you don’t have to carry it alone. If you’re looking for trusted in-home care in the Black Hills of South Dakota, I’d love to connect and share support options for your family.
Kayla
Kayla Cares LLC
Where personalized care meets the comfort of your home
Phone: 605-510-7952
