Caregiver Searching for “help at home’ finds Help at Home
When Hannah graduated from high school, she wasn’t so sure about her future. She was aware of her core strengths and one of them was that she enjoyed caring for people. But, she hadn’t really placed too much thought of caregiving as a career.
That changed when she spoke to her father, a Hospice chaplain, who said he knew many older people who had in-home caregivers to help them continue living at home. Hannah was intrigued and excited and began her search for jobs with the phrase “help at home” looking for caregiver openings. It was a blessing that Help at Home showed up at the top of the page – with caregiver roles available.
We’re lucky to have Hannah. She began her career working as a Help at Home caregiver in Anderson, IN. She was matched with a senior who had chronic back issues, often in pain and experienced falls. Not only does Hannah help her with household chores and meals, but she helps her with her crafting hobbies.
“I’ve always felt like that (caregiving) was my calling … to help others,” she said. “I feel like this has definitely given me the opportunity to play to my strengths.”
Hannah said that listening to the client makes them feel that they are able to live more independently – able to make their own decisions. It may not seem significant at first, but little gestures – such as folding the towels the way the client asks you to can make the client feel more in control at home. It also builds trust with the client because someone is listening to them.
“She’s so sweet,” Hannah said. “I would say she’s like a second grandmother to me. Every day, it’s so much fun to help her.” Hannah said it’s still obviously work, but it feels more like helping a friend or relative.
Her client has to live with a lot of frustration and pain, so Hannah likes to try and be a bright spot in her life.
“Going in there with a good attitude every day really helps the situation,” she said. No matter what the client is going through, he needs something positive in her life every day and I feel like I try to bring that to her.”
