The Caregiver Journey

I woke up without the usual panic.  It felt glorious.  Casually glancing at my phone, I see it’s 6:36 am and I smile because I have no unread texts. You see, that means that it’s a good chance that the Caregiver is showing up today. For almost three years, just about every morning, this is my routine. I open my eyes, I pray and then I frantically check my phone to see if there is an unread text from one of Mama’s Caregivers.

There have been so many mornings that an unread text from the night before or early morning has changed the course of my day. My days are planned and sometimes scheduled to the minute but I also have to be prepared to adjust, the household has to be prepared, if a Caregiver does not show up for work. Running my own business affords me some flexibility but it’s still difficult to rearrange an entire day on a moment’s notice. It can be stressful and frustrating.

From Caregiver’s not showing up (no show or call for days), to sleeping (stretched out on the floor) while working, filming (unauthorized) TikTok dance videos from my kitchen, carelessly damaging our wood floor, overloading the washing machine (we’ve had to repair and replace), flooding the garage (leaving the utility sink running), picking the leather off of the bar stools(nervous habit), breaking the shutters( forcibly trying to individually open them), and generally not respecting boundaries; we have had our share of frustrating situations that have led us to constantly training and retraining as well as searching for new Caregivers.

But the last few months have been smooth and absent of the early morning panic. I finally have three ladies that provide loving care for Mama. They are reliable, respectful, and professional. I am asked often for tips to hiring the right Caregiver. So here is what I know:

• Always get a background check.
  
• Check references thoroughly even if they were referred by a trusted source.
  
• Be mindful when hiring individuals that have only worked in facilities. They may not be as sensitive to scratching the wall or damaging the furniture in your home.
  
• Always pay for a trial day of training. It will give you an opportunity to observe them and their interactions with your Loved One before you fully commit to hiring them. 
  
• Clearly outline expectations and be prepared to revisit them often.
  
• If possible, be willing to pay more for more experienced Caregivers ($15/hr to $25/hr).
  
• Always remain professional, even when faced with unprofessional antics.
  
• Never hire out of desperation. It will not end well. 
  
• If something doesn’t feel quite right, trust that feeling. 
  
• Regularly check your Camera- our Granny Cam has sound and records constantly.  
  
• Have a weekly check time to give you both a time to communicate concerns and the progress of your Loved Ones care. 
  
• Work as a team to brainstorm on products, foods and daily routines to improve the experience for your Loved One.
  
• Express gratitude to your Caregiver.
  
• Provide a safe work environment. 
  
• Don’t be afraid to move on if they are not working out. 
  
• Treat them with respect and dignity. They are caring for your precious Loved One.

Be encouraged on your journey and remember that working from a place a love and respect will always yield the best outcome. 

Be well, Loved Ones.