Ana Aguilar is a married mother of two, raising a 12-year-old son, Alberto, and her 6-year-old daughter, Isabella, who was born with Trisomy 18, also known as Edwards syndrome. Isabella’s condition requires ongoing medical care, specialized treatments and constant attention to support her health and quality of life. As Isabella’s primary caregiver, Ana must be vigilant, patient and emotionally present every single day. It is a role Ana carries with immense love—but also one that comes with worry and fear.
The family’s dynamic
Alberto is a preteen, a stage of life filled with growth, questions and emotional development. It has been very important for Ana and her family that the nurses who come into their home understand that they are stepping into a family dynamic that includes routines, discipline, laughter, stress and emotional ups and downs. They are a close family that supports one another through incredibly challenging moments and deeply beautiful ones.
“Anyone coming into our space needs to recognize and respect that,” says Ana.
Discovering respite care
Although Ana always put her family first, the weight of balancing motherhood with two jobs steadily took its toll. During that time, as her family navigated different levels of care for Isabella and searched for the right support, Ana learned about Maxim Healthcare’s respite services.
“That year was filled with uncertainty, heavy emotions and the constant fear that we might lose our daughter,” says Ana. “During that time, my biggest concern about respite services was trust.”
Isabella’s condition is very delicate. As a mother, placing that responsibility into someone else’s hands was terrifying. Ana worried about whether someone would truly understand her needs—and whether they would understand the family as a whole. She wondered how someone coming into their home would adapt to their family dynamic, especially with a preteen in the house and all the emotions the family carried.
Learning to trust
Trusting someone else to care for Isabella did not come easily. However, knowing that trained nurses could provide the level of medical care she needed gave Ana the courage to try respite services.
The first time Ana saw how naturally the nurses cared for Isabella and how respectfully they treated her home, she felt something she hadn’t felt in a long time: relief. The nurses were attentive, gentle and aware of Ana’s family as a whole.
“That was the moment I realized the respite care services were the right fit for us,” says Ana.
The gift of balance
Respite care has brought a sense of balance for Ana’s family that she didn’t realize was missing.
“Knowing that Isabella is in capable, compassionate hands allows me to step away when needed without guilt or fear,” says Ana. “That peace of mind has made a significant difference in my daily life.”
Having respite services allows Ana to focus on Alberto during an important stage of his life. She is able to listen to him, support him, and be fully present as his mother. It also allows her to manage her professional responsibilities and take care of everyday tasks that don’t stop just because caregiving is demanding.
“Most importantly, it gives me time to breathe and reset emotionally,” says Ana. “That space matters more than words can describe.
Isabella’s experience
Maxim Healthcare’s respite care services have had a very positive impact on Isabella. She receives consistent, attentive care from nurses who truly understand her needs. She is comfortable with them, and that comfort gives Ana tremendous peace.
“What stands out most are the quiet moments—seeing Isabella calm, comfortable and well cared for while I am able to step away briefly,” says Ana. “In those moments, I feel both relief and gratitude.”
The Maxim advantage
The nurses’ presence during those moments—when words fail and emotions are overwhelming—means more than Ana can express. They are not only caring for Isabella’s medical needs; they are supporting Ana’s family through some of the hardest moments of their lives.
“What makes Maxim’s respite care services stand out is the combination of professionalism and genuine compassion,” says Ana. “The nurses understand that our family experiences very intense emotional moments, including times when we fear we may have to say goodbye to Isabella.”
A message to other parents
“To another parent who feels hesitant about getting respite services, I want you to know this feeling is completely normal,” says Ana. “Letting someone into your home and trusting them with your child is one of the hardest decisions you will ever make. But having the right support can be life-changing—for both you and your child.”
Ana encourages families who feel overwhelmed to remember they are not alone. She says it is okay to feel exhausted or scared and urges caregivers to ask for help when needed and prioritize self-care.
“Taking care of yourself is essential, not only for you, but for your children as well,” says Ana.
Looking forward with gratitude
“For my family, I hope we continue to find strength in each other, even during the most difficult moments, and that we continue to cherish every moment we have together,” says Ana. “I am deeply grateful to Maxim for the support they have provided to our family. The nurses who have cared for Isabella have become part of our story, and that is something I will always cherish.”
Ana says that being heard and understood, especially when it comes to Isabella’s care means everything to her. Isabella’s needs are not only medical; they are holistic. They include comfort, dignity, love and emotional care.
“Having a team that recognizes and respects every aspect of who she is has made all the difference,” says Ana.
Maxim Healthcare’s respite care services provide essential relief for family caregivers, allowing you time to recharge while helping your loved ones receive quality care. With a focus on enhancing the wellbeing of both caregivers and patients, we tailor our services to meet individual family needs. Learn more about our respite services here.
