Meet Melinda
The Owner and Founder of Visiting You Senior Homecare.
Welcome to the heart and soul of Visiting You Senior HomeCare, where compassion meets experience, and every story matters. Founded by Melinda Sousa, a dedicated Fort Walton Beach resident, Military Wife, and Mother of three boys, her journey is deeply rooted in love and connection.
But her story goes beyond licenses and professional achievements; it's woven with threads of familial bonds and a commitment to honoring the legacy of our elders. Melinda and her husband Al, a retired U.S. Air Force veteran, embarked on a unique journey of care inspired by their personal experiences with the older generation.
The Story
Melinda's story begins in Okinawa, Japan, where she was born into a rich tapestry of culture and tradition. Raised by her grandparents, including her US Navy Chief grandfather, Melinda's early years were shaped by the values of compassion and familial bonds.
As fate would have it, Melinda's life took an unexpected turn when she met Al, a U.S. Air Force serviceman stationed in Okinawa. Their connection was instant, and their love blossomed quickly. Melinda, following her heart, made the courageous decision to leave Okinawa and follow Al to America.
Melinda and Al joyfully welcomed three boys into their lives, laying the foundation for a cross-cultural journey that became the bedrock of their shared experiences. As Al dedicated himself to proudly serving our beautiful country, Melinda navigated the challenges and embraced the opportunities that came with being a devoted military spouse.
When her grandmother passed away in 1992, her grandfather moved in with Melinda and Al, solidifying their bond as a family. Grandpa continued to play an integral role in their lives, offering wisdom, love, and a sense of continuity amid the transitions that military life brought. Together, they weathered storms, celebrated triumphs, and created a home filled with warmth and understanding.
After her grandfather suddenly passed away in 2002, Melinda was deeply affected by the void left in her life. Motivated by the desire to honor his memory and recognizing the challenges faced by seniors seeking companionship, Melinda decided to channel her grief into a meaningful endeavor. In tribute to her grandfather and inspired by the love and support he provided during his time living with her and Al, Melinda founded a business dedicated to helping seniors find companionship.
"As a young couple, we raised our family with Grandpa by our side. "Grandpa" times were precious. He really was like an angel to us. He held each one of my boys. He went to the senior center, shopping, church, gave out candy on Halloween, played board games, watched sports, saw movies and ate out on special occasions. He even baked with my boys our family favorite blueberry pie. Grandpa and other seniors want to remain independent and stay in their homes or within their communities for as long as possible. Family's often do not know what to do. Whatever their needs are- having a loving, caring, and dedicated companion with them can make all the difference in the world. With a little bit of help, most seniors can stay home and live happily for a long time.”
— Melinda Sousa, Founder