This is a hard one to define as each care call is unpredictable. No day is the same, even though on paper it may appear so. Yes, we can define the duties; giving medication, helping with personal care and so on but in reality, it all starts with the knock on the door and the cheery “hello”………….. and the response.
In my experience, in the main, I have to say that I’m welcomed with a cheerful smile, which makes me feel good right to the core. In some cases, we’re the only people the service user will see all day and that makes our visits even more special. But all of us have our ‘off’ days, it’s only to be expected and it’s part of our role to be patient and show empathy and concern when this is the case. We are there to listen and be a companion just as much as we are to provide personal care and make sure the right medication is taken. We’re there to share memories and ‘sad’ moments just as much as we are there to cook meals and make a cup of tea. We’re there to look through photograph albums and listen to the same stories we listened to yesterday just as much as we are there to help with dressing and making the bed.
Being a caregiver is not for the faint-hearted. It’s fast-moving, and you have to hit the ground running. No two visits are the same and you can easily spend 2 hours without stopping for a breather, but the time just flies by. It’s the most rewarding role imaginable and at the end of the day you can honestly say that you’ve helped to put a sparkle in someone’s eye, you’ve made someone laugh and you’ve helped ease someone’s pain.
When we’re young and able-bodied it’s easy to think that life will always be this way. We’ll continue to book holidays, keep fit and live independent lives. But inevitably, old age comes with its issues. We might struggle with mobility or memory. We’re well enough to stay living at home which is what most of us really want but often need a little help to make our days more comfortable. People who come into our homes and indeed our lives to make this possible are special people, but believe me, the rewards are felt by both the service user and the caregiver in equal measures.
We may come into your homes as strangers but soon we become friends! We’re here to help, just give us a call or use our appointments page to get in touch.
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