Caregivers in Norwell, MA: Home care workers develop special bonds with clients

News today is often about conflict in the world, how congress can’t work together, our struggling education system and declining economy. The stories are dramatic and we take whatever time we need to read them, and then we move on.

But have you ever read the obituaries? Here you find a story that is about a lifetime; about a meaningful, connected and productive life.

Today’s elderly are living longer, adding to their already storied life. And those of us who provide home care services get to learn about history through those we serve. We learn about life during different decades, eras and fads. We learn about our client’s personal life, family life, and what it takes to get as far as he or she has. We go right into our clients homes and see pictures, furnishings, what they eat, where they sleep, and who comes to visit or not.

The people we have the good fortune of serving inspire us. Did you see the human spirit in the woman in the wheelchair at a recent senior dance? There was a lot more left than a tired body.

What did it take to get through the Holocaust, a world war, the Depression? Coming into this country as an immigrant, having nine children, being a devoted spouse, being one of the first women allowed to be in active duty in the military, a dedicated educator, an inventor, a factory worker, or builder of tall buildings?

Home care workers see it all in diminished bodies but still vibrant souls with a lot to offer through their stories told, in the sparkle of their eye and in their smile.

We now get to carry the laundry basket, make the bed, drive the car, wipe the tears, help plant the garden, assist in getting washed up and dressed, navigate the curb, call the oil company, talk to the daughter and wheel around Wal-Mart together.

Life is rich, people are strong, and the message our seniors give the younger generation is, “We can do this!”