Ten years of caring for older adults and families in the Austin community is a milestone worth celebrating. But at Assisting Hands West Austin, we wanted our 10th anniversary to be about more than just looking back. We wanted to use this occasion as an opportunity to give back to the people, organizations, caregivers, and community members who have made the past decade so meaningful. 

So, to celebrate 10 years of serving the Austin community, we did 10 Acts of Kindness in 10 days. Each act was a small way to show appreciation, support local organizations, share helpful resources, and recognize the people who make our community stronger. From treating caregivers to coffee to supporting organizations that serve older adults, each one reflects something we’ve learned over the past 10 years: caring takes a community. 

Celebrating the Caregivers Who Make a Difference

Our caregivers are at the heart of everything we do, so it felt right to begin our 10 Acts of Kindness by celebrating them. 

For Act #1, we surprised 12 of our caregivers with coffee — a small token of our appreciation for the people who show up every day to care for others.

For Act #2, we turned the spotlight over to our caregivers and asked them to share what they love about being part of the Assisting Hands West Austin team. Their responses highlighted the relationships they build with clients, the flexibility and family atmosphere of the team, and the rewarding experience of providing care and companionship. We also entered everyone who shared a response into an anniversary raffle as another small way to celebrate those who have helped make our work possible.

For Act #5, we sent personal thank-you notes to caregivers to let them know that their work is seen and appreciated. Caregiving can be demanding work, and the people providing that care deserve to know how much they matter. After 10 years, we’re especially grateful for every caregiver who has been a part of our team.

Supporting Organizations That Support Our Community

Another theme that emerged throughout our 10 Acts of Kindness was the importance of supporting organizations doing meaningful work throughout Austin. We’re fortunate to work alongside so many people and organizations that contribute to the well-being of older adults and caregivers.

For Act #3, we made a donation to Generation SERVE, an Austin organization that helps children and families volunteer together. Giving back to an organization that encourages intergenerational service felt especially fitting for a company whose work centers on older adults and their families. 

For Act #6, we donated to Memory Caregiver Academy of Austin (MCAA). MCAA works to expand dementia-care training for caregivers in the Austin area, helping improve services for people living with dementia and the people who care for them. 

This is an organization that is especially meaningful to us. Our owner, Emmie, serves on MCAA’s board, and the organization has provided educational opportunities for our team, including Virtual Dementia Tours. Supporting caregiver education is one more way we can contribute to better care for older adults throughout our community. 

For Act #7, we turned the spotlight on three organizations serving older adults and caregivers in the Austin area:

• ElderWheels, which helps older adults stay connected and mobile.
• AGE of Central Texas, which provides resources, education, support programs, and social and wellness services for older adults and family caregivers.
• Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area, which connects older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers with services, benefits, and community resources.

Sharing a Little Kindness With Our Neighbors

Some acts of kindness are as simple as showing up and sharing a little something with the people around you.

For Act #4, our community liaison, Imahn, stopped by South Austin Senior Center with donuts and goodies for everyone. Thank you to everyone at the Senior Center for such a warm welcome. It was wonderful to connect with a place that brings older adults together in our community.

For Act #9, we delivered some treats to one of our special clients. A surprise gift and a quick little visit to show “we’re thinking of you” can really brighten someone’s day. We’re forever grateful for all of our wonderful clients and the trust they’ve placed in us for the last 10 years.

Helping Families Find the Right Resources

Sometimes, the most helpful thing you can do is point someone toward the right resource. 

That was the idea behind Act #8. We shared the Aging Services Council Resource Guide. This guide is a collection of local resources and services for older adults, caregivers, and families throughout the Austin area. 

When you’re trying to figure out care for yourself or someone you love, knowing where to start can be one of the hardest parts. Having a resource that brings helpful information together can make that process a little easier. 

A Decade of Caring Together

For our final day, we took a moment to celebrate the story behind the last 10 years and the community that has been a part of it. 

Over the past decade, Austin-area families have trusted us to care for people they love. Caregivers have brought compassion and dedication to their work. Healthcare professionals, social workers, community organizations, senior centers, and other partners have worked alongside us. Friends, neighbors, and community members have supported our locally owned business along the way.

That community support has been a meaningful part of our journey, and we were honored to have Community Impact recently feature Assisting Hands West Austin and our 10 years of providing personalized in-home care to the Austin community.

Read our story in Community Impact here.

Looking back at our 10 Acts of Kindness, we’re reminded that there are many different ways to care for a community. We’re incredibly grateful to the caregivers, clients, families, healthcare professionals, social workers, community organizations, senior centers, and countless others who have been a part of the Assisting Hands West Austin story. 

Our 10th anniversary gives us an opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come, and to look ahead to the years of caring still to come. We’re proud to be a part of the Austin community, and we’re excited to continue finding ways to support the older adults, families, caregivers, and organizations that make our community stronger.

Here’s to 10 years of caring, and to many more acts of kindness ahead!