Thinking back over my 35 years as a professional caregiver, I’d probably be realistic in estimating that a good 50% of my patients/clients were not overly excited about having someone come in to help in the house, or take over the driving, or assist in their health care. Often I was brought in by a family member who knew that their parent(s) needed extra care. Some clients hired me on their own, but even they had some reluctance. Most of my clients were independent, professional people before they retired; and some still led fairly active lives when I entered into the picture. I believe the turning point in their reluctance came when they realized I was there to enhance their quality of life rather than take charge of it.
It’s never easy to admit that some things are more difficult to do as we age, and even more difficult should we become ill. It’s never easy to give up one’s independence in any area. I think that perhaps giving up driving was one of the toughest losses of independence that I observed in my clients. Yet, after a while they all seemed to rather enjoy being chauffeured around the town, without the headache of driving any more.
As I mentioned in my prior post, I treat my clients/patients as family, and as I would want to be treated. The Golden Rule always applies in caregiving.
So it seems that the longer I was a caregiver for the patient/client, the more like family we became to one another. We acted as a team, and as a family. We celebrated birthdays and holidays. And on some occasions I invited a client to come spend a Thanksgiving or a Christmas Eve with me and my own family.
Depending upon the needs of each client, I often worked for a few clients per week. Many of my clients came to me by referral, so frequently a few of them were long-time friends or perhaps relatives. One treasured memory I keep in my heart is when a few of the clients who were friends gave me a baby shower! It was the most precious party, filled with love! They were all so excited, and so was I! And many of these women became grandmas to my baby girl, who came to work with me until she was old enough for daycare. They held her, and cooed at her, and treated her like a granddaughter.
I’ll close today’s post with some advice — if you are new to the caregiving business or even if you are caring for a family member, acknowledge their initial reluctance; but feel encouraged that it gets better in a very short time.
Tomorrow I want to share a story of a wonderful blessing with you. Until then, keep smiling and make it a great day!
Keep it coming Kathy. One thing to see you cover: Family members in the home who are uncomfortable with having you in (privacy issues seen as intrusion) the home. Even when they know help has to be there for their rest and comfort.
That is a great topic, Kinny! I will work that one in — so much to cover!!