Page 12 - Amarillo Senior Link Magazine Summer 2020- Online Magazine

HONORING SENIORS

THE CAREGIVER EXPERIENCE

by Kim Davis for BSA Compassion Care

s we continue to adapt and heal across our nation,
one thing remains constant – the human spirit. As
AAmericans, we have a long history of coming out
stronger, regardless of strife. Great stories of caring, doing
what we can for our loved ones, learning to be creative
despite tough times, and putting others before ourselves are
told over and over.

In both good and tough times, that is the heart of a personal
caregiver every single day. A personal caregiver – or
personal care aide – is truly a calling. It is a calling to put
service before self by assisting those who need it most, by
providing a better quality of life with a personal touch.

As many are slowly going back to work, needing additional
income, or simply looking for a change in career – this
calling may be for you.

Our aging population continues to grow by the day, and the
needs of these individuals are ever-increasing to help keep
them safe. As humans age, our body limitations increase,
which is when the caregiver steps in to help keep one safe
wherever they call home.

Opening the door to a compassionate, personal caregiver of person to be a caregiver. A college degree isn’t required;
is an invitation for our seniors to maintain not only their this is a job of the heart. It’s not the person who only has
independence, but also the dignity they so well deserve. 40 hours a week to offer, as many personal caregivers are
those with only a few hours to offer each week. Giving a
For the caregiver, it’s an experience all its own. By putting little equates to giving a lot. People need care 24/7, 365-days
service above self, personal caregivers can garner the a year, but caregivers can overlap times, working around
wisdom of the Greatest Generation while assisting with family schedules. Personal caregivers are needed around
basic needs, such as light meal preparation, bathing, the clock, and those with a calling are always welcome.
medication reminders, mobility assistance and often, most
importantly, companionship. As humans, it is a most basic So many opportunities await those who consider being a
need to interact. personal caregiver. The opportunity for flexibility, growth,
pay increases, and job security are all available. It’s an

A personal caregiver’s experience is to give industry that will always be essential.
compassionately, and in return, receive an abundance of
love and appreciation, fulfillment, and purpose from those So many heart-warming stories have been told and shared
whom they serve. during the first half of 2020, stories of kindness and sacrifice.
There is no greater virtue than to put service before self. If
In a time when so much is changing, people don’t, and the that describes you, the caregiver experience awaits.
needs of people don’t change either. It takes a special kind

12 Amarillo Senior Link