Voice of a Caregiver
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.
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Daniel Callahan “My friends and family are not surprised at my career choice. They say it’s in my nature and personality to help people. Caregiving is not just a job to me. It is not about punching a clock or working just to get paid. It is about striving to make my patients comfortable and happy. Caregivers must have compassion for people, all people. It’s about people!” “I love my job! I even love the challenges caregiving can bring. I find it hard when it’s necessary to walk away from ......more |
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Diane Laughlin 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.” ......more |
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Demont Clark My profession is quite rewarding because I am able to help lift the spirits of the residents I care for. They are very appreciative of what I do for them and I willingly do whatever they ask of me. I’ve grown tremendously in my compassion for the people I serve and I continually meet new people. I have learned a lot and it has really changed my life. Since the day I started at Golden Living Center I’ve felt like I was part of a family. My co-workers and I depend upon one another and we are able to work as ......more |
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Kim Johnson, Personal Care Worker As far as my family, my children understand that I love the people I care for and that I do it for God and it makes them proud. My oldest son wrote a paper calling me his hero because of what I do. I come from a long line of women who have worked serving those in need. They are my light, one that has shown brightly before me, making my path clear. I hope that I can be a light for my children and women as a whole. When I have doubts and think about moving on to some other line of work for financial or emotional reasons, I take time to ......more |
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Helen Kislia, CNA 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......more |
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Monica Carothers, CNA Knowing the residents appreciate the care I provide them is what keeps me going. They can trust in me at this time in their life, they know they are in a good environment and in reliable hands. I am a respectful person and I treat others as I would want to be treated. I am also a kind, caring and happy individual. I have a great job and I feel good about my work. Now I don’t mind being away from my family because I know I’m doing something worthwhile and my work allows me to take care of my family and myself. ......more |
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Pam Schultz, Personal Care Worker 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 |
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Camille Stamps, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) “Why don’t you try being a caregiver again?”, my cousin asked me when I became tired of factory work. When I was in my early twenties, I completed a nursing assistant course, but didn’t get certified because I thought, “this is not for me!” Yet I find myself now, working for four years at Clairidge House and loving being a CNA! My cousin was right; she and my extended family are very supportive of me and my work. That support is very important, not just to me, but also to other family members as they study to become nurses, medical technicians and nursing assistants. We are a family......more |
