A Caregiver’s Journey: Understanding and Compassion in Action

When I first stepped into his house as a bedside nurse and caregiver, the initial words he said to his daughter (who is my employer) were that he worried I wouldn't kiss him. His daughter assured him that I would. Aside from being showered with kisses, the highlight of my patient's day was mealtime. There was a specific way he loved to be assisted with his meals, and he derived immense pleasure and fun from it. Since discovering this, I've always made sure to make each mealtime memorable, attending to his needs exactly as he loves.

Recently, some of his children visited and were concerned about his persistent cough, which I noticed worsened whenever they were home. They advised me to stop giving him meals and provide only soup. I nodded in agreement, but deep down, I knew I wouldn’t change his meals. Not while he was under my care. Mealtime was his greatest pleasure; I couldn’t take that away from him.

I understand the children’s concerns, but I also understand the true meaning behind his coughs and reactions. When it’s just the two of us, his behavior is different. I believe I understand him perfectly, and this understanding is our little secret.

If you've ever encountered similar situations as a caregiver, know you're not alone. Let's take this opportunity to recognize the importance of empathy and personalized care in our roles.