CareGiverConnect
Caregiving: The Passion behind the Profession
I often find that there is a profound personal connection behind many caregivers’ career decisions. When I ask care providers why they chose this line of work, many answer that a previous experience in their lives compelled them to become caregivers. It is the positive personal experience with care giving that motivates caregivers to provide the highest quality of service and provides that greatest legacy of care.
In my case, I was abruptly faced with the responsibility to provide effective caregiving when my son was born with severe disabilities. Although I was not expecting to take on the role of caregiver until my parents grew old, I can look back on the years before my son was born and recognize that I had a positive personal experience with caregiving that prepared me in a unique way for the responsibilities that lay before me.
From 1985 to 1992, I spent several years traveling and living in China, Indonesia and parts of Africa and Central America. While these experiences were certainly an adventure for me, I also spent a great deal of time observing and learning about different communities and cultures. Looking back, it was also a time of learning patience and unbridled optimism. I learned how to work with the people around me to solve problems rather than wait for outside resources or programs to provide the answer.
These experiences and the lessons I took from them ultimately determined my course of action when Austin was born. I immediately did extensive research to understand his disabilities and what lay ahead, but I also pledged to myself that I was going to provide solutions to meet his needs.
For nearly 20 years, I have remained faithful to that pledge. I have worked hard to create my own solutions for my son and for others who depend on caregiving to enrich their lives. I now have complete peace with my responsibility to provide the best possible care to Austin. And like the experience I had before Austin was born, I know it will be a time of great learning, observation and adventure.