Caregiving Journey: Cory Matthew King’s Story

At Touching Hearts at Home of Buffalo, our caregivers come from all walks of life, but they all share one thing in common—a deep desire to make a difference. Some have spent decades in the field, while others, like Cory Matthew King, are newer to the profession but already leaving a lasting impact.

Though he’s only been with Touching Hearts at Home for four months, Cory has embraced caregiving with enthusiasm, compassion, and an open heart. His story is one of discovering the power of human connection and the joy that comes from being there for others in a meaningful way.

A Family Introduction to Caregiving

Many people enter the caregiving field because of a personal experience, a calling, or a life-changing moment. For Cory, it was a simple conversation with his uncle that led him to Touching Hearts at Home.

“My uncle was working here and told me about it. I have always wanted to help people, so being here for the clients makes me feel amazing. Helping them and just being there for them is so rewarding.”

Caregiving wasn’t something Cory had planned for years, but once he stepped into the role, he quickly realized how fulfilling and meaningful it was. His natural ability to connect with people, combined with a genuine desire to make a difference, made him a perfect fit for this work.

Simple Moments, Lifelong Memories

Caregiving is often associated with assisting clients with daily tasks, but some of the most profound experiences happen in the quiet, unexpected moments. Cory recalls one such memory that left a lasting impact on him.

“I had a client that, after I made him breakfast and made sure he took his pills, we would sit on the porch and watch cars pass by. We even fed squirrels by hand. I thought it was so cool how the squirrels just came up and grabbed the peanuts out of our hands.”

This moment wasn’t about caregiving in the traditional sense—it was about companionship, presence, and simply sharing life together. Not every impactful moment is about providing physical assistance. Sometimes, it’s about being there, sharing experiences, and making sure a client never feels alone.

The Power of Communication in Home Care

One of the biggest lessons Cory has learned in his time as a caregiver is the importance of communication—not just with clients, but with their families as well.

“Always ask the family if there’s anything they want us care partners to do specifically, and always be communicative with the client and the family.”

Each senior has unique needs, preferences, and routines, and families often have specific requests when it comes to their loved one’s care. By staying proactive, communicative, and attentive, Cory ensures that both the client and their family feel heard and supported.

Building Trust, One Small Act at a Time

Caregiving is a relationship built on trust, respect, and connection. So how does Cory approach this with each new client?

“Be kind to them, be patient, and sit and talk with them. Do things with them—whether it’s going on a walk, talking, or even just sitting and eating together.”

For many seniors, loneliness can be one of the hardest aspects of aging. The simple act of spending quality time together can make all the difference in their emotional and mental well-being. Trust isn’t something that happens overnight. It’s built through small, consistent actions—showing up, listening, and treating clients with the dignity and kindness they deserve.

Handling Challenges with a Calm Approach

Caregiving isn’t always easy. There are moments when clients may become upset, frustrated, or even unkind—not because they want to be difficult, but because they’re experiencing challenges that may be hard to express. For Cory, the key to overcoming these moments is simple: stay calm, listen, and find solutions.

“Some clients can get rude, but I just talk to them calmly to understand what’s wrong and fix it if I can.”

Patience is at the core of caregiving. Sometimes, a little understanding and a reassuring voice can turn a tough situation into a positive one.

Being There for Those Who Have No One

One of the most impactful aspects of Cory’s role is working with clients who don’t have family nearby.

“I feel like I have made some clients happier because some don’t have family around. They don’t have anyone else to talk to, so it’s nice to be there for them.”

For many seniors, caregivers become their closest companions. They’re the ones who celebrate birthdays, share laughter, and provide a listening ear when no one else is there. The impact of a caregiver goes beyond just assisting with daily tasks—it’s about bringing joy, comfort, and companionship to those who might otherwise feel forgotten.

Advice for Future Caregivers

Not everyone is meant to be a caregiver, but for those who feel drawn to helping others, Cory offers a simple but powerful message:

“If you want to feel like you’re helping people, definitely come work here. All you gotta be is caring, patient, and willing to help the clients with the things they need.”

Caregiving isn’t about having years of experience—it’s about having the right heart for the job. As long as someone is compassionate, patient, and willing to learn, they can make a huge impact in the lives of seniors.

A New Perspective on Aging

Before becoming a caregiver, Cory admits that aging was something that scared him. But after spending time with seniors who embrace life and find joy in their later years, he has a new perspective.

“Aging scares me, but the clients enjoy their lives at their age. So, I will too when I’m their age.”

Seeing seniors live happy, full lives—regardless of their age—has changed the way Cory views his own future. Instead of fearing aging, he now sees it as a stage of life to embrace, enjoy, and make the most of.

Why Home Care Matters: A Message from Cory

If Cory could share one final message about why home care is so important, it would be this:

“If you want to help people and feel great about doing your job, then home care is definitely the job for you.”

Home care isn’t just about assistance—it’s about relationships, respect, and making sure seniors feel valued. It’s about providing companionship, comfort, and support, ensuring that every client has someone they can trust and rely on. Caregivers like Cory are the heart of Touching Hearts at Home. Even in just a few months, he has made an impact on his clients’ lives, proving that caregiving isn’t just a career—it’s a calling.

Looking for Compassionate Home Care? We’re Here to Help

At Touching Hearts at Home of Buffalo, we are proud to have caregivers like Cory who bring dedication, warmth, and compassion to every client they serve. If you or a loved one could benefit from home care services, our team is here for you.