Caregiving is often measured in hours, but its true impact is measured in lives touched. For Maxim Healthcare caregiver Val Harper, 20,000 hours of service have been spent encouraging independence, building meaningful relationships and helping people feel valued, supported and seen.

After reaching this milestone and earning Maxim’s Crystal Award, Val’s story is one of compassion, perseverance and a genuine commitment to helping others live more independently. Over the years, she has built lasting relationships with clients and families who continue to remember her long after their care journeys have ended.

A purpose driven by compassion

Ask Val what motivates her after all these years, and her answer is immediate.

“What drives me is being able to truly help people. I take pride in showing genuine care and staying dedicated to what I do. Seeing the reaction on someone’s face when they realize they are cared for—it means everything. I do this work from my heart, not for the paycheck. That’s what keeps me going every day.”

That mindset has shaped every shift, every interaction and every relationship throughout her career. While the responsibilities of caregiving can be demanding, Val embraces the work wholeheartedly.

“My days are always busy. I stay active and engaged, making sure my clients have the care and attention they need. There’s always something to do, and I like it that way—it keeps me focused on providing the best support possible.”

For Val, caregiving is not about simply meeting needs. It is about helping people recognize their own strengths and potential.

Creating impact

One of the most remarkable parts of Val’s story is that many of the people she supported continue to stay in touch with her today.

Throughout her career, she has helped individuals gain confidence, develop life skills and achieve independence. For one former patient, that meant learning to take ownership of daily routines and personal responsibilities. With Val’s encouragement and support, the patient grew more independent and ultimately moved on to live successfully on their own. Today, they remain in contact, a testament to the bond they built together.

Another former patient once shared that he felt he would not have accomplished many of his achievements without Val’s support. True to her humble nature, Val viewed things differently. Rather than taking credit, she saw someone with untapped potential and helped him believe in himself. Today, he lives independently, and they continue to keep in touch.

Reflecting on those experiences, Val says: “Those relationships and seeing people grow—that’s what makes this work so meaningful.”

A light for others

One quality consistently mentioned by those who know Val is her positivity. Even during difficult days, she focuses on helping others find hope and encouragement.

“Honestly, I love everything I do. I don’t have bad days — I feel too blessed for that. Even when a patient is feeling down, I always find ways to lift them back up, and that’s where my focus stays,” Val shared.

That outlook has inspired not only her patients, but also the colleagues who have worked alongside her for years.

Robert Schmitz, Director of Business Operations, has had a front-row seat to Val’s journey.

“I’ve had the privilege of knowing and working alongside Val for more than 17 years, and in that time, I’ve witnessed something truly special. The impact she has on her clients and their families goes far beyond care—it’s deeply personal. She brings comfort in difficult moments, dignity in vulnerable times, and a kindness that people never forget. Families don’t just appreciate her…they trust her, and they love her.”

For Robert, Val’s influence is evident almost immediately whenever she meets someone.

“I vividly remember spending time with Val driving her to meet-and-greets and shifts over the years, and what has always stayed with me is how she shows up…every single time….with compassion, patience, and heart. It’s not just what she does, it’s who she is. You can see it in the way people respond to her almost instantly.”

The meaning behind the Crystal Award

Receiving the Crystal Award carries special meaning. “The Crystal Award tells me that my work has not been in vain. It represents all the days I went out and gave my very best to people who deserved quality care. To know that others noticed and acknowledged that effort is truly a blessing,” Val shared.

The award celebrates more than a milestone. It reflects years of devotion consistency and selfless service—qualities that define Val’s approach to caregiving every day.

20,000 hours of heart

Twenty thousand hours is a number few people can truly comprehend. It represents years of showing up for others, often during some of the most important moments of their lives. For Robert, the milestone speaks to a legacy far greater than the number itself.

“Reaching 20,000 hours isn’t just a number….it represents years of selfless dedication, thousands of moments where she chose to care, to comfort, and to make someone’s day a little easier. It represents lives touched, families supported, and a legacy of kindness that’s hard to put into words,” Robert said.

Val’s own perspective remains grounded in the values that have guided her from the beginning: resilience, faith and an unwavering commitment to those in her care.

“One of the biggest things is staying strong and not letting challenges bring you down. I never let negativity get to me—I work through struggles because I genuinely love what I do.”

And perhaps the most powerful reflection of all comes in the way she defines success:

“I pray that I’m making a difference in people’s lives through my care and service. At the end of the day, money can’t replace what this work means. It’s not about that for me. My focus is always to keep going, no matter what. You can never give up—because the people you care for depend on you, and they deserve your best every single day.”

The true measure of Val’s work can be found in the people who felt supported, believed in and empowered to reach their goals. Congratulations to Val on this well-deserved milestone and on the countless lives she has enriched through her unwavering support, guidance and belief in others.

Inspired by Val’s journey? Explore caregiving careers at Maxim Healthcare and make a difference every day.