Caregiving Story

Katie is definitely not a senior, but a prestigious grad student working on her doctorate in Philosophy. My contact/interaction with this sweet, intelligent student is full of memories that will linger on forever in my mind. My work with her was my first exposure to care giving/assistance, and a great challenge that I decided to take on. Although I was working on my masters in special education, I had never been a live-in caregiver to a special needs person.

My friend had a neuro-muscular disorder that made her wheelchair bound. This was also the first time she would have to leave her family and her well known environment to live in a new place and with a complete stranger. She was initially afraid of leaving home to attend school, but my words encouraged her and gave her confidence.

The day would start with exercises in bed, getting her out of bed, making her milkshake, getting her pills, giving her a shower and getting her ready for lectures. I saw her off to school and would have to go to her whenever she needed my assistance on campus.

We shared a lot, discussed various academic, social, familial, and religious issues. I encouraged her to go for physical therapy and did so only on the condition that I escorted her. She enjoyed my cooking and would always want me to listen to her classical music, especially Mozart. She loved playing chess and won the game every time she played against my husband. Not only was she happy, but she excelled in her academics and she and I were just like sisters. It was sad parting after a year (since I was done with my academics), but we still stay in touch.