Professional caregivers are the heart of aging services. Their work is hands-on, compassionate, evidence-based, and centered on each resident’s or client’s well-being. Caregivers not only improve the lives of older adults, but also help family members cope with the needs of their loved ones who need extra care day-to-day.

National Caregivers Day highlights the need to demand urgent action from policy makers to help providers solve the caregiver workforce crisis. See LeadingAge’s member resources for advocacy and communications to help deliver a powerful message in support of direct-care staff.

Here are the stories of a few caregivers and their clients at LeadingAge member organizations showing the irreplaceable benefits they provide to older adults.

Sensitive Care for Those Living with Dementia

Tjuanna Chandler, a Shahbaz at Brio Living Services Green HOUSE® Homes, Grand Rapids, MI, says her dedication to older adults “all came from my Granny. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been with [older adults]. I like the fact that, as elders get old and cannot do what they used to be able to do, that I can help fill that void. I was brushing an elder’s teeth last week, and she told me that I take my time, and it makes her feel fulfilled. It melted my heart, and I almost cried.”

Kim Horgan, a family member of a Brio resident, says, “[Tjuanna] sang my dad ‘Happy Birthday’ first thing in the morning of his special day! She makes sure he looks his best with shaves, combing his hair, etc. She makes my dad happy because she truly seems to care for the residents through her actions (too many to list) and her demeanor.”

Shernett Williams, a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at Menorah Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care, Brooklyn, NY, says, “Dementia affects people differently and sometimes residents are depressed or angry when they move into a memory care unit. I seem to work really well with residents who have very strong personalities and memory loss. Over time, I help them feel comfortable, safe, and not alone. I’m really proud of what I do.” Raisa, a resident at the Menorah Center, says “Even when I don’t speak English, Shernett understands me. I can be a little cranky sometimes, but [she] is still kind. She bathes me, dresses me, fixes my hair. I like that she makes me look and feel beautiful.”

Service is Doing Whatever it Takes to Help

Marcia Hansen, a home health aide for Nascentia Health, Syracuse, NY, tells the story of Carolyn, a home care client: “When I started working with Carolyn, she had almost nothing in her apartment. Her neighbor had a fire and Carolyn’s furniture was damaged and had to be thrown out. She didn’t even have a bed [and] was sleeping on the floor. [Nascentia Health] was able to get her a new bed, mattress, and linens. Carolyn was ecstatic. I can really give her the care she deserves now that she can get a good night’s sleep.”

Carolyn is grateful for the help she receives from Hansen: “Marcia [is] very caring and understanding, and I love her. Getting me a new bed so I can have a good night’s sleep, she made me feel like a queen.”

Hansen cares for six home-based clients for a few hours at a time to ensure they receive the support they need to thrive. “It’s hard work and it’s long days and it’s hectic, but I know that I’m really helping people. Once I finish with my day, they’re able to say, ‘Thank you, Marcia, for all you’ve done.’ It’s a great feeling.”

Building Trust and a Feeling of Family

At United Church Homes, Marion, OH, several caregivers say their dedication to their work is a family matter, in two ways: They feel the residents are family, and that their vocation has grown out of their own family histories.

Lauri Knight, a state tested nurse aide at The Parkvue Community, says, “I like to take care of people; it makes me feel good. These residents are my family.” Parkvue residents Ray Remy and Mary Lublow both appreciate how these caregivers lighten the loads of their families. “They talk to me and take the time to see what I need,” says Lublow. “They benefit my family so they don’t have to worry about me and they can go to work.”

Sarah Forshey, who works in dining services at The Glenwood Community, says her mother paved her career path: “My mom was a caregiver and I followed her wherever she went.” Forshey has gained another family at work. One example is her relationship with resident Sharon Sutton: “I can always count on [Sutton] to brighten my days. We joke and laugh together over the simplest of things. We are both crafters so we enjoy sharing our projects with each other. And I enjoy working on the puzzles in the hall with her and her husband, Charlie Wilsbacher, who is also a special resident to me.”

Diedra Thomas, a caregiver for UCH Cares, a personal home care service for independent living residents at four UCH communities, says, “My grandmother raised me to love and respect my elders. A lot of folks depend on me to help them with their day-to-day living. They may not be able to get it done if I don’t come. This job really makes a difference in people’s lives and that is what I love to do.”

“Putting Myself in the Shoes of Residents and Families”

At MJHS’ Isabella Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing Care, New York, NY, two immigrant CNAs discussed their calling as caregivers.

Agnes Bungay says, “I came from the Philippines, and in my culture it’s important to care for older people. I believe that this population is special and must be treated with respect.. I always try to put myself in the shoes of my residents and their families. I see the difference I make when I’m at work and caring for my residents living with dementia.”

Justina Kosseh says, “When I first came to the United States from West Africa, I knew immediately what I wanted to do and that was to care for the older adult population with empathy, compassion, dignity, and respect. What I enjoy most about the work is making meaningful connections with residents. My work brings me feelings of pride and happiness.” Resident Justin Fields admires Kosseh, who encourages him to be as independent as possible. “Justina makes me feel important and understood,” he says. “She knows that when I’m not in the mood, she should come back later—when I feel better and want company.”

Caregiver Hazel Snead, RN, at Circle Center Adult Day Services in Richmond, VA, says working with older adults has been eye-opening: “Nursing is very rewarding, but I hope my work with older adults specifically will inspire others to get into this field.”

How is your organization increasing wages and benefits to attract and retain direct-care professionals? How do you recognize and reward your staff for their irreplaceable work? The LeadingAge Story Collector, powered by Greystone, makes it easy to submit your story. Try it now.