Elder Care Stories: 13 Real Life Experiences Working With The Elderly, From The Care-Giver's View

By Suzy Right

Have you ever wondered what life is like when in old age? Take a look at 13 examples of life in the golden years from the elder care's view. The author has 20 years experience working with elders in their homes, and has compiled a collection of true life stories of her experiences. Taken from her notes working closely with her clients-- and their families-- the author invites curious readers into a world of laughter and tears-- spoken from the heart. This isn't Hollywood-- just real life, close up and personal. Written from an honest viewpoint, the stories also embody a love for humanity. Step inside for a closer look-- at life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Suzy Right
• Release date: Jun 28, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310364358

Suzy Right

Suzy Right is a lifelong writer, starting out as a child pecking out stories on her grandmother’s typewriter in the attic. After writing throughout college and grad school, Suzy blogged, then produced quick-read e-books about elder care. Returning to her first love, story-telling, Suzy has written three screen plays and her first novel, A House In Flames. Look for more Suzy Right stories coming soon!

Book preview

Elder Care Stories:

13 Real Life Experiences Working With The Elderly,

From The Care-Giver’s View

Published by Suzy Right on Smashwords

Suzy Right llc ©2014

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Elder Care Stories: 13 Real Life Experiences Working With The Elderly, From The Care-Giver’s View

By Suzy Right ©2014

Table of Contents:

Introduction

The Stories:

Miss Sugar

Mrs. Blunt

Mr. Gladstone

Mr. and Mrs. Dan

Roy and Roxy

Jane

Mr. and Mrs. Grover

Mrs. Grant

Stan & Sue

Mrs. French

Mrs. Barnhart

Mrs. Harp

Amy

In Conclusion

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Elder Care Stories: 13 Real Life Experiences Working With The Elderly, From The Care-Giver’s View, by Suzy Right

Introduction:

I spent 20 years in the elder care business. Those years were filled with joy, laughter, tears and challenges. I’d learned the business from my mother. She had served as a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) nurse during the war years. Later, as a young wife and mother, she provided care to neighbors, friends and family. I was too young to be left at home alone so she’d take me along on her calls. At some point, I became her ‘little helper.’ Mom taught me many things by making it look so natural. I’d help out in simple ways and watched as she’d provide personal care, nutrition and put others at ease. Like the women of her day, mom had left nursing to care for her own family. And she cared for anyone who asked for help, either by talking with them on the phone or visiting them at home. She was friends with the local doctor and sometimes, he’d call on mom to ‘look in’ on someone in need. I’d grab her bag and off we’d go. Children love to help.

Mom taught me that most care can be managed at home. People respond to the comfort of their own surroundings. Her insights about war experiences in a field hospital were spellbinding to a small child. (They still are! Even though I realize she ‘watered down’ those experiences for a child’s ears.) Mom taught me how to stay clean with only a little water and soap; how to change bed linens with the patient in bed; and how to prepare nutritious meals on a shoestring budget, just to name a few. I loved learning from mom: mostly, that caring for people is all about building trust and relationships: and that trustworthiness is earned.

Through the years, I helped with bed baths, changing and laundering linens, dressing simple wounds, keeping things tidy and preparing meals and the value of confidentiality. These acts were about neighbors helping neighbors. Mom didn’t receive compensation, except for an occasional vase of flowers or a heartfelt note of thanks. Rather, she emphasized the value of being the cheerful helper. And, whenever we give to others, it is a gift to ourselves. I learned the art of companionship, making others feel at ease: because everyone is important and has much to give, even at end-of-life. I watched as mom would reason with even the most stubborn folks, encouraging them to carry on. When life hands you lemons, it’s time to make lemonade.

After mom was gone, I worked throughout school by helping friends, church acquaintances, neighbors, and cared for those in need. I’d provide personal care,