According to a recent study conducted by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, one out of five Americans cares for an aging adult. Couple this statistic with the knowledge that by 2011 the Baby Boomer generation will begin turning 65, increasing the burden on working families.

With this information in mind Nate and Sandi Stokes of rural Carthage decided to add to the 380 Visiting Angels franchises by opening one in the Joplin area.

"We were attracted to the homecare business by the opportunity to do something good for others," Nate Stokes said. "Visiting Angels has been an incredible source of support and training, providing lots of ideas and marketing programs, as well as information about how to best serve our clients, many of whom are facing difficult personal issues."

Visiting Angels provides non-medical senior homecare to the elderly who continue to live in their homes. The day/night, temporary or long term, live-in/live-out care, that provides respite for family caregivers includes assistance in hygiene, meal preparation, light housekeeping, running errands and shopping and "joyful" companionship. Clients are afforded the opportunity to interview any caregivers referred and make selections based upon their needs.

The Stokes are lifelong residents of Jasper County. They have two children, Ashley who is working in Indiana and Stefan, a freshman at Carthage High School. The family are members of the Fairview Christian Church, Carthage.

For more information about Visiting Angels, stop by Suite 7 at 1820 E. 20th St., Joplin, phone (417) 781-1000, or send an e-mail here.

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