I am a caregiver for the elderly. I help them stay in their own homes. I do things for them that they are unable to do. I help with their personal care, medicines and keeping their homes clean and safe. Many have become lost in the depths of dementia and lose their memories of who they are.
It brings tears of joy to my eyes when they can remember happier times. The smiles on their faces make me shed tears of joy. So many of those with dementia have families that have forgotten about them. Some end up in almost total isolation because it becomes difficult to have conversations or deal with their childlike personalities. I love it when I can make their day a wee bit happier.
On the other hand I shed tears of sadness when it comes time to say that final goodbye. I spent six years with one lady until her family put her in a nursing home. Many tears were shed when I had to say goodbye. The first lady I took care of suffered a heart attack and only lived for three days afterwards. This broke my heart and I shed many tears of sadness.
Being a caregiver is filled with joy. There are good days and bad days. The good days are full of happiness, smiles and tears of joy. I love what I do.
