April CAREGiver of the Month: Jay

Jay is currently one of our CAREGiver's participating in Home Instead’s unique Alzheimer’s and dementia training program that was developed as part of its CARE: Changing Aging through Research and Education program.

She is a valuable asset to our team and we appreciate all her hard work.

Why did you decide to become a CAREGiver?

I decided some 30 years ago that I would be a caregiver so I became a nurse. Nurses work together as team players with other professionals to achieve the best outcome for their patients. As a caregiver with Home Instead I still get a chance to be part of professional team who works together in the assessing, planning, implementation, and evaluation process with Alzheimer’s clients. As caregivers we are the one’s who most often get closest to the clients so we get a chance to put a plan into action and help it work.

What advice do you have for any new CAREGivers?

Take your time, never try to convince or change someone with Alzheimer’s mind it only leads to frustration for both of you. Patience and kindness are virtues with caregivers. I am so afraid that my clients will fall or trip when I take them out so I tend to be overly cautious on ice and snow especially in crosswalks and parking lots, Remember there is something to learn with every client. Pay it forward, we might be in the same situation and need someone to care for us one day.