Voice of a Caregiver - Pam Schultz, Personal Care Worker
Voice of a Caregiver project is designed to highlight the experiences of caregivers. In Voice of a Caregiver direct support professionals, tell of the joys and difficulties they experience in their everyday work, Each story evolves out of a series of in depth interviews and is told in the worker's voice.
Pam Schultz, Personal Care Worker
Christopher House
Hi, my name is Pam Schultz. I started out working in a technical field. The job consisted of reading blueprints, checking critical tolerances and finalizing parts that were laser cut for shipment to our customers. My job paid well and was enjoyable even though it was in the corporate world. I was confronted daily with employees’ personal problems. If employees had any problems they were supposed to go to Human Resources (HR). Instead of going through normal channels, people came to me if they had problems. I tried to resolve their differences and occasionally got into trouble with HR for trying to help employees.
I have always felt the need to help, and what better way to help people and not get into trouble than to become a caregiver. So now I work for Volunteers of America at Christopher House, a residential facility for the frail elderly. I have a few residents who get scared, so I talk to them, comfort and reassure them. In just a few minutes they begin to smile and I know they feel safe. When I’m off for a few days and I walk through the door, their faces light up and I hear
“I’ve missed you” and they want a hello hug.
One day when I was working alone preparing meals, giving residents their medication, toileting and dressing them, they told me to take a five minute break, now! They had turned the tables on me and were taking care of me. Moments like this make me want to continue caring for others because it is so rewarding.
My friends and husband also keep me going, with their love and support, and the fact that my husband has a good paying job which allows me to work for low wages. I just can’t understand why you can get paid so well for making parts yet get paid so little for caring for human lives.
I guess helping caregivers receive higher wages and health care benefits will be my new cause to champion. I have already had the opportunity to speak up at the public hearing, Caregiver in CRISIS, Who Will Care for Them Us? With God’s help I will fight for Resident’s Rights and higher pay for caregivers. I will never stop caring for and about people.
