The best feeling to me is....the smiles I receive, the thanks I get, the hugs and kisses I embrace after helping someone in need.
I wanted to become a nurse to be there for those who have no one to be there for them. I remember volunteering at 15yrs old at Franklin Square Hospital and how much just a simple "HI" meant to someone. I became a Licensed Practical Nurse in 1993 after graduating from Johnston School of Practical Nursing - Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore, MD. It's a shame the school closed, so many would have benefit. Upon graduating I worked at another local hospital along with a nursing home near my home. While I would not trade my eye tooth for the hospital experience; my heart/mind/body/soul was in Long Term care. I did the only natural thing...I went full-time. For 10yrs that was all I knew; until one day I discovered that I could go to someone's home to teach or give them the knowledge to be able to change their dressing, recognize sign and symptoms, check their glucose levels, weigh themselves or anything related to their specific condition; in 2003 I entered the Home Care industry. I fell in LOVE with nursing all over again. Taking care of people in their own environment....what a concept! People want to be at home as long as they can rather than in a LTC facility where they may never adjust.
I recently started Well Care At Home a private duty/personal care service because I know there is a population of seniors who don't want to be alone, who need companionship, who needs assistance with housework, a load a laundry, fixing a meal, going to store, going to appointments, taking a walk, repositioning themselves, or simply reading a book. A population that is not able to get along in the same manner. I also feel often times caregivers need a break or need to attend to other matters. Well Care At Home will be here to assist you or your loved ones with living comfortably at home. It'll make me smile.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
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1 comment:
Michele
I commend you for addressing an ever-increasing need in our society. Most caregivers (like myself) have not chosen the task but have assumed the enormous responsibility out of moral obligation to family and the basic Christian concept of compassion.
My 85yr old aunt is wheelchair bound and is in the moderate to severe stage of alzeimers. Although lifting her is becoming more difficult, my biggest challenge is living a life of my own. Caring for my aunt means that her schedule (eating, sleeping)is mine. There is no such thing as taking a walk, going to dinner with my husband, spending a day with my grandchildren, even going to church. Any absolutely necessary trip from home means making arrangements weeks ahead for someone (who is willing and I can trust) to care for her.
Your service will help many a caregiver retain their sanity and I applaud you.
I know there are services similar to yours in my community which would give me up to 4 hrs. However, living in West Virginia means that my travel time to the nearest shopping, restaurant, theatre,etc. is an hour (one way)!
I truly hope that many turn to you for assistance. Since I've been caring for my aunt, I've lost my mother, daughter and sister. Although my gals and I were extremely close, I never had the time to spend with them - we always talked about "one day we'll do this or that".
God Bless you Michele for your attention to help those of us who are not the patient.
Barb Bonat
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