Theresa’s father, James, or Jim as everyone called him, was always the first one on the dance floor. He loved parties and was the kind of guy who could make friends anywhere. A music enthusiast, Jim enjoyed following his grandson’s band, attending shows, and dancing the night away.
It wasn’t until Jim’s second wife, Margaret passed away, that the forgetfulness and stumbling over tasks became apparent. Margaret had been compensating for Jim. A loving act that many couples will do for each other to minimize the blips and fill the voids.
Before long, Theresa was living with her dad and became his full-time caregiver. Jim loved to be busy, working in the yard, trimming his bushes, and tinkering in the basement. But those things were getting harder and less safe. Theresa became increasingly worried. Theresa found a day program for her father to attend that allowed him to keep busy and offered her much-needed respite.
In January 2021, Theresa, sadly, lost her father to COVID-19. Soon after, Theresa contacted Home Instead. She said, “I’d always wondered what it would be like to be a professional caregiver.” Home Instead’s training provided her the opportunity to share all that she had learned by helping her dad to help someone else. She says the most important thing to do is “pay attention.” By doing so, she can anticipate her client’s needs and help them to manage their care with more independence and dignity.
Because Theresa was a caregiving daughter, she empathizes with her client’s family members and helps them to navigate the challenges of caring for their parents. Thank you, Theresa, for sharing your story and helping us provide the best home care in Worcester, MA. Happy Family Caregiver Appreciation Month!
