“But will they be kind?”
This question was posed by a very independent elderly woman who was new to being cared for. A recent health incident left her unable to shower without assistance. A normally fastidious individual, she was yearning for a real shower – not a sponge bath. And it was important to her that her caregiver be kind.
It is difficult enough to bring a complete stranger into one’s home. Harder still to have that stranger assist with the most personal of tasks. Accepting all of this would be so much easier if the caregiver could be a kind person.
Her request was hardly frivolous. In truth, those who become caregivers do not enter this field for the great salaries and benefits or for public accolades. Simply put, good caregivers care.
Caregivers often become the link to the community for those who are elderly or have disabilities. They communicate with family members or case managers to report any changes that may signal a need for different kinds of assistance. In-home caregivers often run errands or provide transportation for seniors who are no longer driving.
Caregivers are strong advocates for their clients, helping to locate the necessary resources to keep individuals as independent as possible for as long as possible. And yes, caregivers are kind.
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