September 2021 CAREGiver of the Month: Sonia P.
“I have been truly blessed to be a CAREGiver and a part of the wonderful world of seniors.”In the morning, Sonia pushes her client in a wheelchair up the hill to the pond. As they sit watching ducks, geese, and blue herons, Sonia and her client sing their favorite songs. They arrive back home in time for lunch, exhausted but happy. It’s a
regular routine for Sonia and this particular client, and one that Sonia cherishes.
But for Sonia, spending time with all her clients is fun. She takes great satisfaction in making a difference in their lives and easing their loneliness. She works hard to make them happy and comfortable. “I have been truly blessed to be a CAREGiver and a part of the wonderful world of seniors,” she says. The love that Sonia received from her own parents inspired her to try caregiving when she retired. “I never imagined that helping seniors would be such a great and rewarding experience,” she says. “It is so comforting when they show their appreciation when you change them, bathe them, and help them get dressed.” She also fills the hours with lots of storytelling, singing, laughing, exercising, and going outside to enjoy nature and the weather. Sonia also appreciates the life experiences of her senior clients and is impressed by the ones who have lived to be 100. She admires their wisdom and positive attitude. “Despite their pains, disabilities and sometimes solitude, they believe life is worth living and can be beautiful when you do things with much love in your heart and if you’re an honest and caring person,” she says. When it comes to giving advice to other CAREGivers, Sonia recommends being prepared and extra vigilant to prevent accidents from happening to seniors. “Accidents happen, often when you least expect them to,” Sonia says. When you have a new client, read all the emergency instructions you have received from Home Instead, the client’s family, and, if relevant, the facility where the client is living. Make sure you know where the client’s health records and list of medications are.”
Sonia also advises that CAREGivers read books that promote positive thinking and “enlighten the soul.” Her favorite authors are Deepak Chopra and Paulo Coelho. And when asked what music she likes, Sonia says she “loves the Beatles forever!”
