This month I’m turning my column over to the caregivers of Family Resource Home Care. I hope you will enjoy, and be touched by their “insight,” as they consider the ways in which they contribute to our mission to provide caregiving that is grounded in Commitment and Kindness. Here are a few of our caregivers, in their own words.
“I always remember their birthdays and try to do something to make it special. My current client loves sushi so we went out for lunch and got her cake.”
~Sarah N.
“A recent client with Alzheimer’s had a life long hobby of photography. He had boxes of photos in frames. We went through all the photos and he chose the ones he wanted to hang on his walls. I brought a hammer from home and he told me what wall he wanted the photos on. Once everything was done, he wanted everyone to see his “gallery.” His family thanked me and was very grateful.”
~Julie L.
“I make a point of asking my new clients how they did certain tasks. It can be something as simple as how they fold their towels or how they want food prepared. They appreciate being asked.”
~Kim K.
“My Italian client loves tomatoes. I planted tomatoes in her garden for her birthday.”
~Carla H.
“I always smile, even if I am having a bad day. I do small things to make my client’s life happier. One time I swept the deck and my client had dinner outdoors that night. Another time I cleaned the house before Christmas and his wife could not believe it. She called the office and got me a thank you card for making her Christmas the best.”
~Bakoto F.
“I brush her hair for a long time, then wash and dry it. There’s not much hair there, but I put it in a French twist afterward. I also make sure to offer coffee or tea and some cookies when she has guests.”
~Jamie J.
“I helped to bathe a client’s husband who had not taken a bath for a long time. Doing this made his wife very happy. She felt like I was taking care of the whole family.”
~Kamay M.
“On some days I would stay longer at Dolly’s house to fix lunch for her and spend a little extra time with her. It let her know that I cared about her.”
~Alynna L.
“I ask my client to tell me his favorite stories. This helps him to remember the good times.”
~Natalie B.
“My client wants her independence, but she needs help. With her memory loss, she doesn’t remember what she does. I will do things for her, like lay out her clothes, and when she sees it done, she believes she did it. When she brags that she can do all of this by herself, I just smile and agree and praise her. It lifts her spirit.”
~Doris J.
