Voice of a Caregiver - Diane Laughlin - From Forklift Driver - To Supportive Homecare
How do people laid off from manufacturing find new careers? Sometimes their new occupations are a better fit for them than any other work they have done before. The following two stories are about people, who for years were employed in construction and manufacturing, but now have found real pleasure in their employment as caregivers.
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.
Diane Laughlin
From Forklift Driver - To Supportive Homecare
Diane Laughlin worked as a fork lift driver in a factory warehouse for 30 years. She says that her job was very stressful and she finally had to quit because of arthritis and fibromyalgia. She admits that the pay was good at $16 an hour, but production is constantly go, go, go and the work environment isn’t always pleasant. Diane says, “Factory work is cut throat. People stay for money, not for the job. Caregiving is much more important work. It is not just a job, you are responsible for someone’s well being. I think all caregiving work should be paid more than factory work. Although, there is one thing for sure, the personal rewards are priceless. Now I look forward to going to work!”
Two years ago, Diane answered a Right-at-Home newspaper ad and was hired to become a supportive home caregiver. She told herself, “I can do this” and soon learned she loved helping people in their homes with their activities of daily living (ADL). “At first I did only light housework; laundry, preparing meals, some errands and providing client companionship. Now I am also trained to provide personal care, such as, bathing, dressing and personal grooming.”
When asked why caregiving is better than factory work, Diane quickly replied that it is not nearly as stressful. “I focus on one person at a time, know my routine and am well trained on what to do. I have job continuity but still have flexibility to arrange a day off or vacation. In forty hours, I may take care of three to four clients. I have the time to really get to know them and I love to hear their stories. I have learned so much by listening to them reminisce about their families, careers, trips and experiences.”
Right-at-Home owners say, “Our policy is to carefully match client with caregiver. Most caregivers build close personal relationships with their client, especially over time.” Diane understands this well for she recently experienced the passing away of a client she had cared for over two years. “You get so attached and I miss her terribly. She was a nurse and she taught me, hands on, so much about giving a good bath. I think of many special times and the small act that made her happy. She wanted to try a KFC dinner bowl, so I stopped to get her one just weeks before she died. She was delighted. Remembering this and other ‘small acts’ helps me to feel good now, even as I miss her. ”
As Diane talks about her clients, it is easy to understand why her supervisors say that she is “one of our best.” But, not all clients are without difficulties in this work. “I once had a very demanding younger client. It just wasn’t a good match for both of us. I felt that she took advantage of me and that it wasn’t good for her not to do more herself. In this case, my supervisors found another caregiver for her. That is important because caregivers, to give good care, must have a good relationship with their client.”
(Diane smiles as she thinks of another client.) “Caregivers often have a sixth sense about their clients. One day a client of mine was so moody, and no matter what I did, I couldn’t get her out of her bad mood. Her radio was playing some ‘ole time’ music and I just wanted to dance. So I did! She started laughing at me and soon got up and started dancing too!!! What a joyful experience we both had! We danced around for quite a while. It is the simple ‘small actions’ that make people happy.”
Diane feels blessed to be able to do this work without worries for her future or money. “I have enough to live on and hope to do full or part time caregiving for as long as I can.
