by Meredith Troy
23. July 2009 18:14
Overall, Trish has become the cornerstone of our efforts to keep Mom in her home as long as possible. Because we live so far away, the job of overseeing and implementing Mom’s care at home would have been nearly impossible with out a person of Trish’s competence, intelligence and commitment on the job. We have dealt with numerous caregivers from three agencies for our two sets of parents over some years. We are making these comments as informed and experienced eldercare consumers. Among the caregivers we have encountered, Trish is definitely a standout.
Professionalism- Trish brings to bear a full range of well-honed skills and competencies needed to perform as an excellent eldercare professional. Caring for Mom is not just a job to her. Trish’s dedication to Mom’s well being is very nearly as sincere and complete as ours is.
Patience and Compassion—Trish remains unperturbed, even when the client is short tempered or seems unreasonable. (Mom has some cognitive impairment) Trish tries to understand and work with the frustrations expressed by her client. She absorbs corrective comments without becoming defensive or angry. She came alongside Mom to prepare a persimmon dessert for a bridge party (Mom can still play bridge).from persimmons Mom grew. Them when the guests enjoyed the dessert, mom reveled in the compliments for making the dessert (even though she no longer has the wherewithal to prepare recipes herself. It takes patience and wisdom on the caregiver’s part to pull this off.
Friendliness—Occasionally, Trish takes one or more of Mom’s elderly friends to a meeting along with Mom. One friend in particular went out of his way to comment on how enjoyable Mom’s caregiver was. He said,” She was great and the kind we all want to have when we need one.”
In sum: Mom is 90 years old. She spent 35 years of her life providing loving care full-time for her disabled son, so we believe Mom herself deserves as full and secure a life as possible as she loses her own capabilities. Trish is the main reason we can live 70 miles from my mother and be confident that Mom is receiving the BEST care imaginable.
Susan P.