By Maria Burke, RN
Owner, Celtic Angels Home Health Care

As we turn the page from 2025 to 2026, I find myself thinking less about resolutions and more about gratitude.
In my work, I have the privilege of stepping into people’s homes at some of the most tender moments of their lives – when a loved one is aging, recovering, or nearing the end of their journey. Year after year, I am reminded that true strength doesn’t always look like big, dramatic gestures. More often, it looks like quiet, everyday acts of love.
It’s the daughter who stops by every night after work, even when she’s exhausted.
It’s the son who rearranges his schedule to make sure Mum isn’t alone at important appointments. It’s the neighbor who checks in with a cup of tea and a warm hello.
And it’s the caregivers – our nurses, CNAs, and home health aides – who show up day after day with gentle hands, calm voices, and open hearts. They are, in every sense of the word, angels.
As we welcome 2026, I’d like to offer a few reflections and gentle invitations for the year ahead:

  1. Give yourself permission to ask for help.
    So many family caregivers think they have to “do it all.” You don’t. Reaching out for support doesn’t mean you’re failing your loved one; it means you’re ensuring they receive the best care possible while also protecting your own health and well-being. No one is meant to carry this alone.
  2. Cherish the small moments.
    The big milestones are important, but it’s the little things that stay in our hearts: sharing a favorite song, hearing a story you’ve heard a hundred times but still makes you smile, holding a loved one’s hand in comfortable silence. These are the memories that become treasures.
  3. Take care of the caregiver, too.
    You can’t pour from an empty cup. This year, I encourage every caregiver to claim something just for themselves – a quiet walk, a cup of coffee with a friend, a book before bed, a support group, or a few hours of respite care. Your needs matter, and honoring them makes you a stronger, more present caregiver.
  4. Remember that dignity and independence are priceless.
    For many older adults, being able to stay in their own home, surrounded by familiar comforts and memories, means everything. Whether families choose professional home care, help from relatives and friends, or a combination, the goal is the same: to keep our loved ones safe, respected, and deeply cared for.
    As I look ahead to 2026, my heart is full of appreciation – for the families who trust us, for the older adults who share their wisdom and life stories, and for the incredible caregivers who give so much of themselves every day. You are the reason we at Celtic Angels do what we do.
    From my home and our Celtic Angels family to you and yours, I wish you a New Year filled with peace, good health, and moments of genuine connection. May 2026 bring you comfort when times are hard, support when you need it most, and plenty of reasons to smile.
    Happy New Year, and thank you for letting us be part of your journey.