The Power of Human Connection
Sometimes, we encounter individuals who remind us of the profound impact we can have in
another person’s life. For me, one of those individuals is the sweetest man that I have ever met,
Bert Kehrberger. Bert is a happy-go-lucky guy, has a great personality, and loves to talk. He has
no family to support, help, or guide him. He is a Vietnam veteran, a former police officer, and a
dedicated employee of the Department of Veterans Affairs; Bert has spent much of his life in
service to others. However, after years of giving, he found himself facing significant challenges,
and that’s where our paths crossed.
A First Meeting I’ll Never Forget – a call to action
The day I met Bert was the beginning of a journey filled with resilience, determination, and the
building of trust. As a Certified Senior Advisor, I was called to assist him after he returned home
from the hospital. Bert’s health was in a precarious state, and he had no family to lean on. Our
first encounter was during his physical therapy assessment.
That day, I discovered a troubling situation: his blood sugar levels had been at 800 for two days.
Recognizing the urgency, I immediately escorted him to the emergency room, where he was
admitted for further care. Despite initial concerns about his condition, the hospital decided to
discharge him on a Sunday. Realizing he needed immediate support, I quickly coordinated with a
trusted source to secure at-home care for him that very day.
Navigating the Road to Stability – finding the right fit
Over the months that followed, I dedicated myself to helping Bert navigate his health and
lifestyle options. Together, we toured various senior living communities that could meet his
needs. Bert experienced multiple ER visits and hospitalizations during this time, which made
finding the perfect living arrangement even more critical.
One of Bert’s non-negotiables was ensuring his beloved dog, Clark, could join him in his new
home. After thorough research and careful consideration, we found the ideal place where both he
and Clark could thrive.
Providing Comprehensive Support – beyond housing
My role in Bert’s journey extended far beyond finding him a new residence. I assisted him in
securing additional VA benefits – ensuring he had access to the resources he earned through his
years of service. I also took the lead to assist him in cleaning and decluttering his home, selling
his home, selling his Recreational Vehicle, and holding an estate sale which help to off-set the
cost of getting his home ready for sale. I have been committed to helping Bert achieve financial
stability.
A Continued Commitment – standing in as family
Though Bert has no family, I have been proud to be part of his support system, and I not only
call him my friend, but my family. It has been an honor to guide him through these transitions
and advocate for his well-being. His story is a testament to the power of community and the
importance of lending a helping hand when someone needs it most.
Bert’s resilience and determination inspire me every day. As I continue to assist him, I am
reminded that everyone deserves dignity, respect, and care – especially those who have dedicated
their lives to serving others. Together, we have built a foundation for a brighter, more stable
future, and I enjoy seeing Bert and Clark enjoying life in their new community. Bert was happy
to know that I wanted to share his story.
