Voice of a Caregiver - Helen Kislia, CNA
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.
Helen Kislia, CNA
Gentiva Health Services
I have always wanted to work in the healthcare field. In high school I took courses that would prepare me to continue my education so that one day I could become a nurse. But, I got married and with a family it was difficult to pursue this goal at the time. Then, eight years ago, my husband passed away. I had been his caregiver for quite some time, and realized that I wanted to go to Gateway Technical College (GTC) and pursue my goal of working with people in the healthcare field.
I graduated seven years ago as a Certified Nursing Assistant and decided to work for Gentiva Health Services as a Home Health Aide. I have been there ever since. Gentiva is a national company that has been bringing great healthcare into homes for nearly 40 years. Their skilled clinicians are dedicated not only to healing but to education and empowering patients to take charge of their own care in order to achieve greater independence and recover more quickly. Locally, Gentiva services clients in their home in Racine, Kenosha and Milwaukee counties.
I feel my role as a Home Health Aide at Gentiva is very important to the lives of my patients and the Gentiva nursing team. Most of our clients’ hands-on care is provided by me. Helping them with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as eating, dressing and bathing are areas that many healthy people may take for granted. Besides those cares, under the supervision of the team nurse, I perform clinical tasks such as range-of-motion exercises and blood pressure readings. I may even perform light housekeeping tasks such as preparing food or changing linens.
It is very rewarding to help others with activities that make their life better. Being an aide allows me this opportunity to help others as a professional caregiver. I always take the time to listen to my patients. That’s another very important task that is often taken for granted. I am often the eyes and ears of the nursing team.
My patients depend on me. I particularly remember a patient that I cared for daily. I would help him get ready for the bus so he could get to daycare. The wife was too frail to manage this task herself, and without me, he would not have been able to get out.
While my work keeps me happy and busy on weekdays, I am able to share the weekends and holidays with my family and friends. In order for caregivers to provide good care, they must also take care of themselves. I try to do both.
