Experiences as a Caregiver

Do you ever wonder what it is like to be a caregiver? Here is some insight from a Kore Cares caregiver, Allison.

My experience as a caregiver has been a fun and rewarding experience thus far. I have been able to meet a variety of clients who each have different needs. Your first client of the day may just need an hour of your time to help get them up, bathe them, and dress them for the day. Your next client may need a few hours for companionship, light housekeeping, and meal preparation. Each client is unique and we customize our services to meet their needs.

Why she Chose to be a Caregiver

I graduated from SDSU with my B.S. in Athletic Training (AT) and a minor in Health Science. Throughout my senior year, I was beginning to wonder if this was the right career path for me as I was looking at graduate schools. I decided to take a year off to pay back student loans and explore other areas of the medical field. Doing meaningful work has always been important to me and I applied to be a caregiver. In-home services interested me as it allows clients to gain the services they need while remaining in the comfort of their own home.

A Day in the Life of a Caregiver

A typical day as a caregiver may vary depending on the client but one thing remains true: it allows you to have a positive impact on your client’s day and being there for them when they need it most. Here are a few ways I assist my clients:

· A typical usually consists of assisting the clients with ADL’s which include showering/bathing the client, dressing them, brushing their teeth, and brushing their hair, etc. We also help with transfers by assisting with ambulation, using a Hoyer lift, or using a gait belt.

· Once the personal cares are complete we assist with cleaning such as vacuuming, mopping, dusting surfaces, laundry, and dishes.

· Some clients may ask us to help run errands for or may transport them to doctor’s appointments.

· We can help prepare breakfast/lunch/dinner and clean up afterwards.

· We help remind the clients to take their daily medications.

· Companionship can be very important to the client. This can include getting to know them and finding out what interests them, talking to them, walking with them, or playing board and card games.

Hearing how much your clients have appreciated your help and providing companionship makes this work so rewarding.