By Thomas H.
Genesis is one of our newest Family Caregivers here at JEVS Care at Home (JCAH). She shared with us recently about her decision to become a Family Caregiver, the joy she derives from being able to provide the support her mother needs, and why she chose to work with JEVS Care at Home after considering other providers.
1) Please tell us a little bit about yourself.
Hello! My name is Genesis, and I’m my mom’s Family Caregiver through JEVS Care at Home. Since I was young, I’ve always gravitated toward the medical field. It brings me joy to help people. I also have a creative side. I’m an aspiring esthetician, and I hope to go to school soon to become licensed. It’s never too late to start a new journey!
2) How are you supporting your mother?
My mom was diagnosed with a new illness in November of last year. She was hospitalized multiple times within a few months, and this made it very complicated for her to manage several other health conditions she has been dealing with. I decided to quit my job and fully focus on her care, to make sure she received the care and support she needs. I applied through the PA Medicaid waiver program to be her full-time caregiver, I and was able to move into this role after the new year.
I am so grateful for the opportunity to care for her through JEVS Care at Home. We have established a daily regimen, and this gives her a sense of routine. I take her vitals, help her manage medications, prepare her meals, help her with showers and hygiene. I assist her with whatever she needs. It’s a peace of mind that is invaluable to us both.
3) How has becoming a family caregiver made a positive impact on your own life?
It all started when I was a young child. My father was very ill while I was growing up. When I was in high school, I became his caregiver. At this point he was wheelchair bound. He passed away in 2019 at age 71. In a bittersweet sense, as I grieved, it brought me solace knowing that I did everything in my power to make his quality of life the best I could.
Becoming a family caregiver at an early age made me deeply empathize with everyone around me. I feel so much compassion for those in need, or anyone who is going through a hard time. Caregiving is a job that has to be done with love–the same love that my parents gave me. That has given me the strength to care for them.
4) What made you decide to work with JEVS Care at Home rather than another provider?
I was initially looking around at different agencies trying to pick the right one for me and my mother’s case. I called a couple of agencies, but no one really stood out to us until we called JEVS Care at Home. I remember speaking to Ruth as my first impression of the agency, and she was so knowledgeable, kind and supportive.
She took her time explaining things and made sure I knew that I could always reach out to her for anything. Every single person that I’ve been in contact with since that first call has maintained that same exact level of professionalism, enthusiasm, and care. I will always recommend JEVS Care at Home!
5) What advice would you have for others who are thinking about becoming a family caregiver?
If I could redo life and take care of my father and mom again, I’d do it again and again. Sure, being a caregiver can come with a lot of responsibility, at times even many hardships, but there’s something priceless about being selfless and giving your family that extra support in a time of need in their lives. It’s so rewarding to give back to them and form a deeper bond through this caregiving journey!
I’m very blessed to be able to do this for my dad first and now my mom. It’s equally important to give yourself time to recalibrate, even if it’s just a couple hours of hours at the library, going for a walk at the park, or even going for some coffee with a friend. To care for someone else, you must always care for yourself first!
6) Is there anything else you would like to share?
I would just like to say that I’m so honored and grateful to have this opportunity to care for my mom, while being able to financially support myself. Caring for someone is indeed a full-time job. My mom is happy that I’m able to be here with her each day as she makes progress with her health, and that to me means more than anything. So, thank you to every person that has helped facilitate my journey in getting started with JEVS Care at Home, you are all amazing!
Sarah received rave reviews from a second client who was especially particular about her caregivers. Soon after Sarah started working with her, the client, C.G., called the office to let us know how pleased she was. “Sarah is a keeper,” she said. “She comes in my door and takes care of everything. You don’t have to ask or tell her anything. She just knows what to do.” The client continued: “Sarah knows everything on my Plan of Care. She pays attention to detail with the cleaning and is there for anything I may need.” On home visits with this client, it was clear that Sarah was making a real difference. She had helped the client with some projects, like going through boxes and putting knick-knacks back on display. The client was eager to praise Sarah and tell us how happy she was that Sarah was her caregiver.
JEVS Care at Home recognized Fran for her hard work and dedication to her client, Richard W. After Richard was hospitalized and admitted to a nursing facility for rehabilitation, Fran visited him a few times each week, unpaid. Fran advocated for Richard’s proper care while he was in rehab and ensured that he had a smooth transition home. Fran then helped our nursing team set up PT/OT and arrange for a visiting nurse. Fran knew how important these services would be in preventing a readmission. Fran is an outstanding caregiver and a true representation of what client advocacy looks like. We are lucky to have her on our JCAH team. –Kim St. Peter, Director of Health and Education