Years ago, Anita suffered fractured neck vertebrae, a broken pelvis and other injuries during a car accident.
"It was horrible. I wore a halo for my neck injury for 72 days. But God completely healed me," Anita explained. "I realized how humbling it is to depend on someone else. It was then when I really felt, 'This is what I want to do. I want to help those who need assistance.' That thought was reinforced during my recovery. As a result of my experience of being incapacitated, I am careful to never say the wrong thing and embarrass a client."
For about 20 years, Anita held a job in workman's compensation patient care and briefly worked at an assisted living facility. In August 2019, Anita joined Home Instead Senior Care® of Victoria after an online search. In March 2020, Anita was honored as the franchise's CAREGiver of the Month.
Referring to Recruiting and Retention Coordinator Maegan Coldewey, Anita said: "Home Instead Senior Care found my resume, and Maegan hired me two days later. I love it. I like the way our schedule is set for a month in advance. I like the way Home Instead's text messages go out for fill-in assignments."
While Anita is working for the award-winning franchise owned by Stephanie Niles, she also serves as a family caregiver. Anita's 76-year-old mother suffered a heart attack in December 2019, left the hospital Jan. 11 and she lives with Anita. Anita was determined to keep her mother out of a nursing home. "Before Dad died in October 2012, I promised him I'd help Mom. They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, and Dad died 10 months later from congestive heart failure. Mom took care of Dad, and a sister and I helped her," Anita said.
"I help Mom with medications and check her blood pressure as well as keeping an eye on her weight because she forgets about eating. I give her meds before work and rush home at 5 p.m. I have trained my 12-year-old daughter to give Mom her medications. I also have two other older children at home who work, and they help, too."
Several of Anita's older children watched their mother's example and entered care work. "My 34-year-old daughter is a nurse. She's a mini-me who has a big heart for people. Another daughter works as a medical assistant for a doctor. She's been working part time for Home Instead. My oldest daughter is a medication aide and CNA at a nursing home," Anita said.
Anita's skills and upbeat attitude are perfect for a 91-year-old client who always had been an active people-person who loved to get out of the house until the emergence of COVID-19, also known as the Coronavirus Disease, disrupted that routine. Anita explained: "She misses our daily trips to the senior center and can't see her friends. She is more restless, confused, angry and concerned. I try to encourage her every day. Having a positive outlook is big."
CAREGivers assist the client each day of the week, with Anita working three weekdays and every other weekend. The client thinks of Anita as a daughter. "I have had her as a client since I started. Bonding happened quickly. She gets around OK with a cane and walker. I told her, 'For 91, you are blessed.' She doesn't need much assistance with mobility, maybe help getting up. She loves to care for her appearance. She still goes to the beauty salon on Thursdays," Anita said.
"With her dementia, her behaviors change often. She's up and doing things, 'coaching' me as I mop and vacuum. The neighbors know her well. Three of them check on her. They are part of her support system. She has two sons and a daughter. Her daughter lives 20 miles away and constantly checks with her."
The client's children have complimented Anita. She chuckled when she said: "The client tells me, 'You know – you're my favorite. You do so much for me.' And, of course, I hope she's tell the other CAREGivers the same thing. Lately she's confused and thinks I was there the previous day – I am there every other day. I refocus her so I don't answer directly and embarrass her."
Anita said she's happy with Home Instead Senior Care and plans to continue, but over the years she has considered running her own business. "That would be good since Mom is living with me.
I am thinking ahead. I'd maybe have a taco place. My 17-year-old daughter has developed into an excellent baker, so who knows? For now, I'm at a good place."
All Home Instead Senior Care CAREGivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured. For inquiries about CAREGiver employment , please apply online or call (361) 433-0330. For additional home care information visit Home Instead Senior Care.
Rewarding Care Careers in Victoria, TX
