My first experience as a caregiver came just after high school when I was hired as a nurse aide at the Med Unit at El Castillo Retirement Community in Santa Fe, NM, where I cared for the elderly that were needing more than normal care. I did this for the Summer before college. It gave me a sense of pride in caring for these vulnerable seniors. I did everything required of me from diaper changes, to tube feedings, grooming, changing clothes, toileting, companionship, blood pressure readings, etc. Years later, I helped with the caregiving for my grandma of 96-years. I helped take her to the hairdresser every Friday, did the shopping and helped her bathe, and comb. I helped her brush her dentures. I eventually helped her to transfer her to the commode and back to her chair, and back to her recliner. I was mainly there from about 4:30 pm until about 8:30am once a week. She was an amazing person, right up to the end. My next caregiving task was brief, but very enlightening. I would become a companion for an aunt who developed dementia/Alzheimer's and progressed rather rapidly and although an effort was made to have her at home, she too, became a resident at Sierra Vista for memory care. I attended an Alzheimer's class (an overview) at that time. Witnessing her progression was very hard, but also experiential. About 3 years ago, I attended an Alzheimer Caregiver course (lengthy, about 6-8 sessions if I remember correctly). This was due to my Dad having dementia that was progressing. His progression has been somewhat slow, and he is mostly being helped (meals, hygiene, companionship, etc.) by other family members. I find fulfilment in caregiving. I am touched by the person(s) I care for, and I hope also to touch theirs also!
Caregivers that work non-full-time jobs or irregular shifts can negotiate extra compensation in addition to their standard hourly wage.
CareLinx home care services include housekeeping, transportation, meal preparation, shopping, medication reminders, mobility assistance, bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing, exercise, companionship and more. Compared to traditional agencies, our caregiver services include four distinct advantages.
1. Preferred, high-quality care: CareLinx customers prefer our care over competitors’ by a factor of 10 to 1. You get to choose and interview the caregiver, resulting in a better match and higher quality care.
2. Uniquely affordable: as an online caregiver network with low overhead and zero markups on caregiver pay, our prices are up to 50 percent less than traditional senior care agencies.
3. Care advocates: our direct-hire model gives caregivers higher wages and flexible schedules, and consumers low prices. Everyone gets a better quality of life.
4. Peace of mind: in-home caregivers are background checked and technology-enabled to give you visibility and transparency in the home. Our app provides GPS clock-ins clock-outs, real-time secure messaging, and personalized digital care plan.