Janet’s Family Caregiving Prepared for Home Instead
Home Instead® CAREGiver of the Month Janet Dean remembered when her mother brought her along during a nursing-home visit when Janet was 10 or 11 years old. “She had a heart for those who were lonely and wanted to brighten their day. She trained me early,” mused Janet, who fittingly was her mother’s primary family caregiver for the final six years of her life.
Janet’s mother suffered a stroke and then was afflicted with dementia after Janet’s father had passed away. “To take care of Mom, I met all the challenges and went through everything to prepare for what had to be done. I was trained by hospital nurses and other medical professionals. I learned a lot about dementia care. I learned things that CNAs do,” said Janet, who recalled pushing her mother’s wheelchair and pulling a grocery cart at the same time during shopping trips. Her mother, who could hardly speak, would smile.
“It was a great time for me. There were no regrets. I was feeling needed. As far as working for Home Instead, I feel the same; this gives me a purpose. Actually, I told my mother something along those same lines, only trying to encourage her. I told her she still had a purpose. I tell some of my Home Instead clients the same thing,” Janet said.
Janet joined Home Instead in May 2017, almost a year and a half after her mother had passed away January 2016 at age 93.
“From assisting my mother, I think what I know about older people is that they have suffered so many losses. Seniors need to be appreciated, valued and lifted up. I read to some clients, play music for others and take care of light housekeeping that means so much to others. Listening to their stories also gives them a chance to be heard and means a lot to them,” Janet said.
“I have helped a client who was somewhat similar to Mom. They had similar backgrounds. With Mom in mind, I could identify with my client’s life. She told me so many things about her life. The client really appreciated me. With my mom, she showed her appreciation with a smile. The client was thrilled that I did the little things that meant a lot to her. I really miss her.”
Janet added: “As a CAREGiver, you have a role in someone’s life for a short time. It is meaningful to both CAREGiver and client. You develop relationships.”
When asked what she foresees in the coming weeks and months with her job, Janet said: “Right now, I go with the flow. If God wants to lead me somewhere else, I’ll know.”
All Home Instead CAREGivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (248) 203-2273 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
