At the kiddie pool, someone mentioned that I own my own homecare business. It isn’t anything real complicated; but I do have a standard; set by myself, that I attempt to meet, so yes, I’m kinda proud. This young lady asked me if I were hiring; and instead of answering her; I asked her if she had experience with homecare.. “NO, but I’m really good with old people”…..yep, she was in the nursing program. Now, that’s not to say that she won’t be an amazing nurse; after all, it is a make or break profession; but “being good with old people” is not a min. standard to meet to do homecare…..I promise you THAT. Yes, we do look at tattoos and piercings. Yes, we do look at articulations; and body language; and you have to be far better than, “Being good with old people”, and lest any of you think that homecare is a simple in/out job, let me disavow you of the notion that this is the most glamorous job on the face of the earth. Your cliental whether though agency, or private pay, is the older subset of society. Rule number one is that you fight the LTC EVERY DAY. What you do; in their home, keeps them in their home one more day, In order to keep them in their home you must CLEAN A TOILET, make them breakfast; take out trash, vacuum, change sheets, grocery shop. In truth, if it keeps them safe in their home….YOU DO IT….you are too good FOR NOTHING. Depression is an uphill battle. The cliental I serve want conversation; gossip; TALK. They want to matter; and be “mattered”. They are real human begins; many of whom led amazing lives; and one would know that if one sat and talked to them, which BTW, is YOUR JOB as well. WWII, Korea, dancers, painters, farmers I’ve had them all, and I research their background so that I CAN talk to them. YES, I read the Farmer’s Almanac because THEY DO. This job; nay, this MINISTRY is all about the person, heart/mind/body/soul…..so NO, you may not make them uncomfortable with your tattoo’s, electric blue hair; black fingernails, smelly dirty uniforms (which for the record; I don’t allow scrubs). Homecare is not a job; it’s a mentality…..it’s a way of life; very few….very few can do it; because the likelihood of walking in one day, and finding your dearly beloved client passed on his/her bed (they way they WANTED) is great; or far, far worse; walking in, and finding your love on the floor with a broken hip; with the realization that the LTC DID WIN this one….is heartbreaking…..it’s happened way more than once with me. I’m a PERSONAL ASSISTANT; and I do it ALL. It keeps me busy 40+ hours a week; but the pay is good, the reward better. The young lady I spoke to may very well be an awesome nurse one day; but for now; she should stick to the simple things; like the LTC (I’m so kidding). Anyone who provides care for our aging populate will tell you that you HAVE to LOVE it; because friends, it’s challenging…..so, that’s what I do. Now you understand why I not only drink; but by my attitude sucks most of the time. Whatever you chose to do; treat it as a ministry; because chances are; you didn’t choose it; it chose you…..think about it; and BE Blessed today. Remember you set the Tone, you ARE the Example. BE KIND to each other. Show GRACE and MERCY to all those who cross your path today. With your Daily Affirmations complete, enjoy your Monday.
Posted on: Mon, 27 Oct 2014 12:00:52 +0000