Many people discover their calling as a caregiver in unexpected ways. That’s exactly what happened to Karen, our March Caregiver of the Month. Karen shared about her journey to JEVS Care at Home, the meaningful rewards she’s found in caring for clients through our Central PA office, and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way. She also offers thoughtful advice for fellow caregivers and anyone considering a career in homecare.

Tell us a bit about yourself 

I’m originally from Minnesota, where most of my family still lives. My husband, Tony, and I have been married for 22 years. We don’t have children, but we spend a lot of time with Tony’s family, who live in the Gettysburg area. Every couple of years, we take a trip back to Minnesota to visit. I’m very active in my church. I’ve served as an elder, I read during services, and I help count the weekly offering. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and reading.

How did you come to work at JEVS Care at Home? 

I didn’t plan on working in homecare. For 32 years, I was a retail pharmacist. But in 2016, I had a hemorrhagic stroke. I recovered, but the stroke left me with speech difficulties. I went back to work for a while, but speaking was hard, and it made the job challenging. In 2018, I left my position and started thinking about a new career. I got support from the Pennsylvania Office of Vocational Rehabilitation. They gave me an iPad and a speaking app to help me communicate. Later that year, I applied for a caregiver job at what is now the JEVS Care at Home Gettysburg office. That was in 2018, and I’m still working as a caregiver with JEVS. I really enjoy this work. Helping clients makes me feel needed, and that helps me, too.

What do you find most rewarding about being a caregiver? 

For me, the most rewarding part of being a caregiver is knowing I’m helping someone and maybe even making their day a little brighter. This job also gets me out of the house and helps take my mind off my own health challenges. I feel lucky that my clients and their families are willing to work with me even though I have trouble speaking. Because I deal with a health issue myself, I think I’m a little more understanding with my clients. Being a caregiver has taught me to be patient, stay calm, take things one day at a time, and appreciate each day as it comes.

What have you learned about caregiving that you’d like to share with other caregivers?  

Being a caregiver is rewarding, but it can also be difficult, especially when you’re helping someone with serious health issues or dementia. When I’m facing a difficult situation with a client, I’ve learned it’s best to reach out to the team at the JEVS Care at Home office. They always have helpful advice. I also remind other caregivers that a kind word and a smile can make a big difference. Sometimes, that’s all it takes to help you and your client get through a hard day.

What advice do you have for someone who is thinking about becoming a caregiver? 

Be open to learning new things and new ways of doing your work. If you’re not sure about something, just ask. Always show respect to your employer, your client, and yourself. And lead with compassion and empathy. Years ago, I saw a reusable water bottle in a store that said, “Choose Kindness.” I bought it, and now I bring it to work every day. It reminds me to live by that motto.

 

Interested in caregiver opportunities with JEVS Care at Home? Click here to learn more!