KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Anna Bunn’s daily routine begins long before sunrise and rarely slows down.
The Knoxville woman starts her days at 4 a.m., preparing medicine and breakfast for her husband, Floyd, and her grandchildren before heading to work. After returning home, she cooks dinner, helps transport family members and continues caring for her husband, whose life changed dramatically after suffering a stroke.
“We laughed. We joked. We had a good life,” Bunn said. “And then it went away. At the drop of a hat.”
Bunn said the emotional and physical demands of caregiving can be overwhelming at times.
“Some days I cry,” she said. “Some days I want to scream.”
In addition to caring for Floyd, Bunn works full time at a school, where she has spent the past 30 years helping students with behavioral needs. She said the responsibilities leave little time for herself.
“There’s just no downtime in it,” Bunn said.
The burden became more manageable thanks to assistance through the Department of Veterans Affairs. Floyd, a veteran, receives services through the Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service, a nonprofit organization that provides in-home, nonmedical caregiving support.
Each weekday, a caregiver arrives at the couple’s home and stays throughout the workday, helping monitor Floyd, provide companionship and assist with daily needs.
Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service CEO Amy Blackburn said many families seek help during difficult and unexpected circumstances.
“A lot of times when people do need a caregiver, it’s typically a crisis situation,” Blackburn said.
She noted that many caregivers are balancing multiple responsibilities, including raising children or grandchildren while caring for aging parents or spouses.
Blackburn said even basic support can make a significant difference for families.
“Any support that we can provide, any assistance during her day … even if it’s as simple as companionship, somebody being in the house, kind of monitoring the situation, doing some light cleaning, making sure that if there are any falls or risks … it’s just comforting knowing that there’s that additional support,” she said.
For Bunn, that support has become essential.
“My hat goes off to the caregivers,” she said. “Because without them coming in, I couldn’t do any of it. None of it.”
Founded in 1970, the Senior Citizens Home Assistance Service serves all of East Tennessee through eight offices, including its headquarters in Knoxville. The nonprofit assists between 400 and 800 families each year and provided nearly 200,000 hours of care last year. More than half of those service hours supported veterans and their families.
Bunn said the caregivers’ dedication and compassion have helped her continue providing for those who depend on her.
“Their time. Their patience. Their understanding. Their willingness … helps me beyond belief,” she said.
