Life likes to throw curveballs at us and for some they suddenly become caregivers looking after their loved ones. For others, this role evolves slowly over time. The decision to become a family caregiver is usually driven by circumstances and necessity. Many people decide after experiencing the rewarding feeling of making a positive impact on someone’s life, it is hard to go back to a 9 – 5 office job.
Here’s what our Caregiver, Natalie Johnston, said about her experience looking after her Grandad and how that helped her in her role with Eidyn Care.
“I looked after my grandfather who suffered with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This progressive lung disease left him terribly tired after the slightest of tasks. He had home care (local council) which helped him with his personal care. I was there for his shopping, housework, meals and support. Being there for my grandfather gave me a great deal of pride. Near the end of his life, my granddad went into St Columba’s hospice. This place was remarkable!
Spending so much time there, I got a feel of how the wonderful hospice nurses
worked. This was when I knew caring for others in need, is the career path I
wanted to go down.
Sadly my grandad passed away
peacefully, shortly after being admitted. Seeing my grandad lying there,
finally at peace, didn’t make me sad. It made me feel content. Content that I
made a difference in his life near the end. It was a comfort knowing I played a
huge part in him dying peacefully, even if that was just holding his hand and a
reassuring voice telling him that everything will be ok.
I recently gave end of life care to one of my Eidyn Care clients for the first
time. On my two hour visit with him, I put my experience to good use and made
sure he was as comfortable as possible. I left him feeling like I had achieved
this and I felt like his family thought so too. Then I received the
sad news of my client passing away only a few hours later. Strangely enough I
actually felt like ok. I took comfort in knowing I made a difference
in his last few days, for him and his wonderful family.”
Do you have experience as an unpaid Caregiver? The role of the Caregiver is an important one and holds a lot of responsibility. Whilst caregiving can be difficult at times, it can also be one of the most rewarding and fulfilling things you can do.
If you’d like to enquire about our current vacancies, head to our Join Our Team page where you can apply online. Alternatively, call us on 0131 285 1221 or email recruitment@eidyncare.co.uk
Here are some useful websites relating to COPD;
The COPD Learn More Breathe Better program is a service of the National Institutes of Health. On its website, patients and their families and caregivers can access a variety of educational resources to learn more about managing and understanding COPD. Information geared to people at risk, including insights into genetic indicators of COPD risk, can help those who are living with the condition but not yet aware of it.
Anyone looking for information about COPD or opportunities for action will find it at the COPD Foundation. On the blog, members share personal stories about their experiences with COPD. Staff articles include tips for healthy living, medications and therapies, relevant health policies, and common questions and answers.
COPD News Today serves as a news and
information website about the disease, which makes it a go-to resource for the
latest studies, statistics, and product reviews. For the most current
information about anything related to COPD, start here.
