Celebrating Women Caregivers

I’ve thought a lot about how I wanted to celebrate Women’s Month and I’ve made my decision. I want to acknowledge and celebrate the women who are and have been my mother’s caregivers at her nursing home – Lake Forest Nursing Center. These are women who have chosen care giving as a career or who have chosen to take a job in the field. They have been a Godsend to me and my family over the past 3 ½ years.

My mother entered Lake Forest Nursing Center on July 28, 2018. I remember that day specifically because it was only a few days after I told her she was moving from her assisted living apartment.  It wasn’t negotiable. The money I had allocated for her care in assisted living was running out and I was out of options.

My mom asked a few questions, but then she went along with the plan. She was leaving a place she where had lived for only 7 months, a place where she had her own space and furniture. Now, she would be moving into a new place, sharing a room with a stranger, having none of her furniture and  only a few of her personal belongings. I think I had a harder time with the decision than she did.

Kelly was the nurse in charge of Station C, where my mother would be living. She was wonderful! She welcomed us, showed us around, got my mother settled in her room and then settled me. From that point on, Kelly always made sure my mom had her Pepsi and her chocolate candy and that the CNAs (certified nursing assistants) took good care of my mom on a daily basis. Kelly made the transition and overall experience very personal. She welcomed us into the family.

I visited my mother several times during the week and on the weekends. The CNAs (too many to name) would get her ready, do her hair, made sure she looked nice and had her red lipstick on (that was important to my mom).  I’d take her out for car rides, to the store and bring her to my house to visit with family. Are that time, she could still get around in a wheelchair. The CNAs would be there when we returned, asked her if my mom enjoyed her trip and then they took her back to her room and get her settled. I knew she was in good hands. We are family.

The reception team (Christie, Darlene, Doris, and Dawn) would always have a smile on their faces when I arrived. They asked how I was doing when I came in and how my visit with my mom was when I left. I’d ask about their families and their lives as well. It’s a nice rhythm. We are family.

The activities team (Sharon, Carmen, Sophia and Kathia) would bring my mom down to the activities room and engage her in all kinds of activities to keep her stimulated and socialized with the other residents. I’d sit in on some of the activities and I always marveled at how these women would lead the activity and help each resident participate – no matter what their special needs were. Sometimes, family is just being together.

Then Covid hit in 2020 and everyone’s world turned upside down. It was a scary time for everyone. The nursing homes were locked down and I was no longer able to visit my mom in person. The caregivers went from giving care to giving care and giving life for all residents. For over a year, they were the only people the residents saw. It was a time of great isolation for staff, residents, and family. The staff couldn’t afford to be burned out. The residents depended on them. Their family needed them.

During Covid, Lake Forest Center put up a “Heroes Work Here” banner.  It was their way of thanking the staff and showing their appreciation. I often brought cookies and snacks in mom’s name to say thank you.

Fast forward to March 2022, my mom is now in the late stage of dementia. She sleeps most of the time and rarely speaks. She needs more daily care than she ever has. Her caregivers are right there to help her and me. We are family.

I’ve cried several times as I was writing this. There’s so much to share and so much to be thankful for. Caregivers are amazing, selfless life givers. My mother’s life (and mine) would be very different if it weren’t for them.  

I also want to acknowledge and celebrate the women who take care of their loved ones at home. It’s hard work (physically and emotionally) that is rarely seen or celebrated by others.

So, this month, I celebrate women caregivers! I acknowledge the work they do every day and celebrate their commitment and heart. They are my everyday heroes!