The Story of Grant: When Daily Reassurance Became Life-Saving

Grant was the first recipient of services through Personal Care Calling Services, Inc. He came to us after another company told him they did not customize their services. Because Personal Care Calling Services was willing to create a communication plan around his needs, he was referred to us, and we completed his intake process.

Grant was one of the few recipients who chose to financially support the service he received, based on what worked for his personal budget. From the start, he wanted something simple and specific. He did not want calls or texts interrupting his day. Instead, he preferred to send us a daily email to let us know he was okay, whether he was at home in Denver or staying at another property in Colorado. We would reply to confirm that we had heard from him and wish him well.

Over the years, that routine became personal, while still remaining professional. As Grant aged and his health declined, his communication preferences changed. Sometimes we switched to text messages when that was easier for him. Like many of our recipients, he was not just checking in. He was building trust. Through those brief daily communications, a relationship formed.

Grant was kind and thoughtful. I once shared that I had never actually seen snow falling from the sky. After that, each winter he would send me photographs of the snowfall from his home in Denver. During football season, he would often send an “A-OK” message with a football emoji. Small moments like those reminded me that the work we do is about far more than a system or routine. It is about human connection.

On Christmas Eve in 2019, Grant sent his usual message. On Christmas Day, nothing came. That was unusual. I tried to give him the benefit of the doubt, assuming he might be spending time with neighbors, friends, or family. By the next day, there was still no email, no response, and no indication that he was alright.

I began calling neighbors at his Denver home and then at another property in Colorado. When no one answered and no message came from Grant, we followed protocol and contacted local authorities to request a wellness check. Around the same time, one of his neighbors, John, was also trying to reach him. John had access to Grant’s lockbox code by prior arrangement. He entered the home, called out for Grant, and eventually found him at the bottom of the basement stairs with a severe injury and head trauma.

Grant was rushed to the hospital. Later, a social worker called and learned about our service through his neighbor. A few weeks afterward, Grant called me from rehab. He told me that our service had saved his life. I apologized for not getting help to him sooner, but he told me, “You weren’t late. You were just on time.”

That moment changed me. When I started Personal Care Calling Services in 2014, I knew the mission mattered. But hearing that our service may have helped save a life brought a new level of understanding. Daily reassurance is not just comforting. For some people, it can become critical.

Grant later shared that he was terminally ill and would be receiving full-time care. Not long after, our communications came to an end. I never learned what ultimately happened to him, but I have never forgotten him.

Grant was our first recipient, our first donor, and one of the first people to show me just how meaningful this work could be. Because of him, I learned more deeply what peace of mind, personal connection, and consistent care can mean to someone living alone.

Wherever Grant is now, I hope he is at peace. We will always be grateful for him.

Written by P. Dale Henson, Founder and CEO of Personal Care Calling Services, Inc.