Journals of a Caregiver

Most people agree that it takes a certain personality to be an effective caregiver. Are there early indicators of that personality? I think so. I have been considered, by both employer and clients, to be an effective caregiver, so I examined my past for clues. I found 7 early indications of what I consider to be a caregiver personality and I have used humor to convey them.

   I didn't discover my skill until I lost my office job of 30 years - two weeks after spending a week at my mother's side as she died at home of cancer. I found the best job of my life as a caregiver for Home Instead, a company that provides in-home care for seniors. It was good training, as I wound up being a caregiver for my husband when he was paralyzed. He went from flat on his bed, unable to turn over by himself, to walking. I took care of my father until his death as well. I didn't merely do it because I thought I should. I wanted to. Taking care of people was something I loved doing.