Caregiving Story

It began when I started to take care of Mr. Mahoney. He was a 24/7 and very set in his own ways. The office called me to go into Mr Mahoney's overnights. Well, since I lived 32 miles away, I decided to work longer hours with him. I would go in at 9am Monday morning until 4pm Tuesday, come back at 9am Thusday until 4pm Friday.

I couldn't believe this man could be so difficult, but he really was. He complained about every caregiver that came in there. I can't lie, he was set in his own ways and wanted things done his way, correctly and without being told how or when to do it. I took the attitude that he was 96 years old and if he wanted his way, he got that from me. I was happy to be in his home, taking care of his needs, no matter what he did or said. I felt he was entitled to it. He had to have his breakfast at the same time every morning and a special one at that. It had to be prepared his way or no way.

My first morning with him, I was very nervous, because he sat in the kitchen and watched every move I made. He had to correct me on a few things but I was determined to do it his way and the right way. He told me I didn't too bad and I could come back if I wanted to. I figured he like me. I was right. He called the office and told them to send more caregivers like me. I felt very special that he said that about me, knowing how fussy he was. We became a team--I was put in charge of making sure his needs were met, and I did just that. I started a team of the top caregivers in our company and made the calls to them and got some of them to come on board with Mr Mahoney. He was very happy. Unfortunately, he passed away two weeks after we finally got a great team in there. I worked for Mr Mahoney for three months and I really miss his smile and long talks about the past. In Memory of Him---SMILE