We are so excited to announce that this month's outstanding CAREGiver is Gwen. She shared her story so beautifully that we present her own words:
Technically, I have been a caregiver for three years and employed by Home Instead. However, I have been a “caregiver” my entire life. My nature is a nurturer and helper. My career was an elementary school teacher and special educator. “Caregiver” is embedded in the elementary field.
I was not really motivated to become a caregiver, but I fell into service fortuitously. I was planning to teach into my seventy’s, but my plans were foiled. At 55, I had a stroke. I was not physically paralyzed, but my part of my brain (parietal lobe) was paralyzed, in a manner of speaking. My diagnosis is Aphasia. My communication and processing were affected. My recuperation was long. Hence, I still needed to bring home income, be stimulated, and feel useful. My previous principal helped me with a reference and told me that caregiving would be a good fit for me. He was right.
What I love most about working with the clients are the “whole of the persons”: their personality, their history, their stories, and their friendship. Once, I worked with a ninety-three-year-old, gal that was married to a Los Angeles Dodger baseball player. I saw his team picture on the wall. It was obvious how much she loved him and her family as their pictures were on the walls, in every room. I was impressed! She would tell me how much she missed him.
I also learned she loved big bands and was a really good dancer. I find that interesting. We had fun listening to Glen Miller music on my laptop computer. We would look on YouTube for examples of big band dancers. I loved her! She was the most warm, interesting, and fun person. This is an example of why I love working with the people!
I appreciate working with Home Instead and enjoy being part of the team. I love getting the support and resources being part of Home Instead. I get opportunities for training and growth. I’ve been very lucky working with the Vista Home Instead office. I love working with administration who are supportive, caring, friendly, and value us. They treat us well!
I have a huge love of animals and the Earth. My dream is to build a sanctuary for rescued circus animals, so they can live in happiness and comparatively free.
I am an advocate for many things like for seniors, abused humans, animals, or the planet.
Thank you for being a big part of our family, Gwen!
