Post Type: ARTICLES
Taking care of the elderly or senior care is a big industry in the United States. It is also a growing industry. Many adults will reach the age of 65 and over this year. Also, more than three quarters will need assistance in their homes, placed in a nursing home or some other facilities.
There are various facilities that care for the elderly. These include but are not limited to assisted living, nursing home, home care to name a few. My emphasis is on home care.
A senior who lives alone need someone to talk to, prepare meals, help with doctors appointment, run errands for grocery, take a bath, laundry and such like. Basically, you are assisting the client with activities of daily living. Other key factors in home care are safety and quality of life.
My first job in this country was home care. Someone took a day off and allowed me to work in their stead. I was in it for the money and the hours were long, it was a 24 hr case also called a live in case. Later on I got alive in case for 2 months. At first I thought how the days were drawn out. I wondered how others did this kind of work. The patient could walk and feed herself so the job was not difficult. But it took me some time to adjust to the hours.
Previously I worked as a School Librarian in a prominent High School in Jamaica. The salary was not rewarding but I touched the lives of many. Teachers, students, ancillary staff, those in the adjourning community quickly learned that they could receive help whether financially, help with lunch or bus fare or special discounts in copying documents. Also, students would receive access to certain reference tools. In addition, my office would be used to counsel and or minister deliverance to those who were oppressed by the devil.
When I found myself in American in a totally different setting it took me some time to adjust. The culture was different and the role was certainly menial.
The first thing I learned in the home care business was humility. Before, I never obeyed orders from anyone. Pride slowly left me but I was constantly angry at being observed by neighbors, through the windows and pop ups. I was in an Italian neighborhood. They trusted no one. I didn’t mind cleaning and cooking but I hated being watched and checked on. Above all, I hated to be categorized as a maid.
The emphasis on personal care was not much basically I was a companion. At the end of each week I had $500 US and even though I sent money home I could save because I lived and worked on the job. The hours were long and there was no day off until my sister re enters the country for another six months.
This was the only skill I knew and within six years I had done 3 private cases. One case was very rewarding. At first I worked very hard in organizing and cleaning which was my third hardest assignment ever. It was the dirtiest place I ever seen with piles of garbage, dirt, books and more debris.
At the time I had no choice, because my sister just tricked me out of the first Italian job. I needed money and shelter. Even though the place was horrible I realized that I was working for a very wealthy and kind man.
As I shared my love for gardening, I was able to help this gentleman move out of the mess into a Pent House on the East side. I along with his lady friend enjoyed the best of food, clothe and city life. Now I didn’t have to work, I only did gardening which I liked and went shopping. I was more of a companion.
I received so much favor on this job that is too much to mention. The Lord had really blessed me and my family financially.
I did not know the impact I had on this gentleman until his family told me. I was glad that the last six months of his life was the best. Although he was terminally ill and didn’t want to hear about my God, he was able to enjoy fresh air and quality of life.
He gradually deteriorated, could not eat, or do the basic things like toiletry. I helped him through each process and made it pleasant for him.
As I looked back, I realized that compassion was in me. Anyone could say that it was because he was wealthy why I treated him kindly. I can safely say that it was not true. For example, there were opportunities that he constantly spoke about, but I later realized I missed. He would ask if Dudley or I would consider doing a franchise. At that time I was more concerned about his health and wellbeing.
I must make mention that the tasks that I engaged in such as gardening and heavy cleaning is not in the duties as a caregiver. This was done out of compassion and the need to bring quality of life. In fact, if you ask a caregiver to dust or clean she will tell you, “I’m not here for that.”
After this client’s death, I was able to go back to school and started working for a Home Care Agency. Many clients were rude and hard to get along with. Whenever I had a bad experience I would call my coordinator and request something else. Sometimes a client may be rude because of his experience with another Aide. In such a case I remember that I represent a company and most of all Jesus Christ and do right. Often times the client responds to the kindness.
Home care is rewarding for me, in the sense that through compassion, I am able to change a person’s situation. A client may want to go shopping instead of staying indoors all day. He may also take an interest in gardening which can give him some self worth. Whatever the need is each client is different and must be treated with dignity.
As much as home care is rewarding there are challenges in it. There are those who will not trust you, others who will test you and some who will go into war with you. Regardless of the situation we are building a tabernacle and we must effect change.
My aim, as a caregiver and CEO of SENIOR KARE INC is to bring quality care to those who have been assigned to me. In a changing world where money becomes the focal point I chose to use compassion and foster change in the lives of seniors. An individualized plan is essential as every client has different needs. In addition, human resource will be groomed, rewarded well and made accountability for services rendered.
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