We Are In This Together

I have been apart of the Senior Helpers team for 7 wonderful years and my role within the agency is Vice President of Operations. We are a licensed home care agency and I work very closely with the President and owner, Kathy Livingston. The caregivers of who I speak of in this story come for all walks of life, different backgrounds, nationalities and speak many different languages. These caregivers take care of our clients and take care of their own families. The caregivers never questioned if they were essential workers, showed up to their client’s home with a positive attitude during a pandemic and consistently took the initiative to ensure that they were safe and that everyone they cared for remained healthy. The caregivers possess so much great qualities and we would have had a lot more challenges if it were not for their strength, love, dedication, and compassion. I am proud of our team and our caregivers are more than just employees, they are our lifeline and family.

We all heard about the coronavirus in February but really did not start to feel the effects or understand how serious of a virus it really is until the beginning of March. Before COVID, my team leader Kathy and I talked everyday about the safety and wellbeing of each employee and client of ours. In March, our conversations were focused on personal protective equipment, infection prevention and control policies and how we as a team could protect our caregivers from being exposed to the virus as much humanly possible.

During the week of March 9th, we started to check in with each of our caregivers daily to see how they are feeling, how their client is feeling and to ensure that no one has symptoms of COVID. We continuously went over infection prevention and control policies, hand washing, “social distancing-6 feet apart” when possible and clean and disinfect all surfaces and objects every day. My team and I deliver masks and gloves weekly to our caregivers as it is our duty to look out for every caregiver that is on the front lines to make sure they are supported and safe. My leader Kathy and her family started to sew washable fabric masks for all employees to wear to use for traveling or as an added protection while providing care to clients.

It was not until the week of March 16th, that I started to realize that most of our caregivers’ feedback on the coronavirus was not of fear but knowing that we are in this together. I have heard from several caregivers that they are not afraid of the virus as they have committed themselves to taking care of people who are vulnerable and sick with all different types of diseases or conditions. Their main concern is making sure that their client is healthy, feeling safe and loved. All the caregivers love the fact that we check in with them every day, love the washable masks and the support that is provided to them each day. During a time of isolation and fear, it feels good to know that we are connecting and helping a special group of caregivers that are always helping others.

Caregivers all over the world are my superhero’s! They are brave, selfless, loving, and perseverant. We would not have been able to get through this without these individuals. With all the negativity going on in this world, I would like us to shine the spotlight onto the positivity that caregivers bring to the world daily. I want all caregivers around the world to know that you are loved, you are cared for and you are appreciated more than words can say.

Nicole McGuire

Our era of sirens 2020 May 21