Former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, a longtime advocate for caregivers, once said:
“There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.”
Her words highlight a truth many families experience. As the population ages, the need for compassionate caregivers continues to grow—individuals who help seniors maintain independence and remain safely in the homes they love.
One such caregiver is Debbie Yeater-Smith of Columbus, Ohio. During National Caregivers Month, she was nominated for the Home Care Association of America Caregiver of the Year Award, while also receiving recognition as a runner-up Caregiver of the Year within the Seniors Helping Seniors® franchise.
A Second Career with Purpose
After spending 30 years working as a receptionist at Ohio State University, Yeater-Smith retired—but like many retirees, she soon realized she still wanted to stay active and engaged.
She returned to work as a receptionist at the Columbus Alzheimer’s Care Center, where she enjoyed interacting with residents and supporting individuals living with memory loss.
In 2023, she responded to an ad for Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care, an organization that pairs active, compassionate adults with seniors who need assistance at home. The model allows mature adults to find meaningful work while helping other seniors maintain independence.
“It was definitely a good choice,” Yeater-Smith said. “I think they appreciated the longevity of my work history and that I had experience with people who have Alzheimer’s.”
Today, she visits two clients each week, spending several hours providing companionship and support.
“It is so very rewarding to help people in their 80s and 90s and encourage them to stay involved and keep their independence,” she said. “It’s really the best job I’ve ever had. I love it.”
Compassion in Action
When Yeater-Smith learned she had been recognized for her work, she was surprised.
“I was shocked and a little embarrassed by all the attention,” she said.
Rather than focusing on the recognition, she was quick to praise Nina Hines, owner and director of Seniors Helping Seniors® Gahanna.
“I refer to Nina as my BBE—Best Boss Ever,” Yeater-Smith said. “She is great about listening and offering helpful suggestions whenever issues arise.”
But according to Hines, the recognition is well deserved.
“Debbie casts a magical spell that brings calm to challenging situations,” Hines said. “Clients often refer to her as a ‘godsend’ and ‘a blessing.’ She partners with her clients, encouraging them and always focusing on their safety and comfort.”
Going Above and Beyond
One story shared by Hines perfectly illustrates Yeater-Smith’s dedication.
One evening, while at home in her condo building, Yeater-Smith heard a persistent buzzing sound that resembled an alarm. Rather than ignoring it, she stepped into the hallway to investigate.
Following the sound, she discovered it was coming from a client’s condo.
Her client had fallen in the bathroom and pulled an emergency cord for help. The client’s husband was asleep and hadn’t heard the alarm. While others in the building may have simply been annoyed by the sound, Yeater-Smith immediately stepped in to help.
Moments like this show how caregiving is often about being attentive, compassionate, and willing to step in when someone needs help most.
A Mission Rooted in Compassion
Compassion has always been at the heart of Seniors Helping Seniors® in-home care, which was founded in 1998 by a husband-and-wife team inspired by the humanitarian work of Mother Teresa.
Mother Teresa once said:
“Love begins by taking care of the closest ones—the ones at home.”
Caregivers like Debbie Yeater-Smith embody this philosophy every day by helping seniors remain safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes.
The Growing Need for Caregivers
As the senior population continues to grow, the need for compassionate caregivers is increasing as well.
Stories like Yeater-Smith’s highlight the incredible impact caregivers have—not only on the seniors they support but also on families and communities.
Thanks to dedicated individuals like Debbie Yeater-Smith and leaders like Nina Hines, many older adults are able to maintain independence and continue living where they feel most comfortable: at home.
And as Rosalynn Carter wisely reminded us, caregiving is something that eventually touches us all.