Looking to make a difference?

A few months back, I wrote an article for Mature Living which spoke about the growing problem of social isolation for seniors.  At that time, we were just a few months into this pandemic.  There was no way to predict what the world would look like today.

Isolation is still a big factor for our senior population.  One of the major influences contributing to this isolation is one that few predicted.  Hiring.  That’s right, hiring.  As a small home care agency, attracting and retaining great employees has always been an issue.  Caring for our senior population is not a glorious job, while I would argue it is one of the most rewarding jobs around.

What is the correlation between senior isolation and trouble hiring?  If you are not in the industry, you may not be aware.  Every day, I work with the aging populations.  Some are in communities, facilities, personal care, or independent settings.  In all these setting, we have one thing in common.  Not enough staff to meet the needs of the clients.

Even a large facility who is only short one person per shift, is sacrificing an opportunity to socialize with clients over necessary client care.  Yes, you can certainly argue these two things can be combined, however everyone enjoys having uninterrupted, focused conversation over task focused small talk.

In Berks County we have a large aging population.  Across the board, I have not run into any partner agencies in Berks who are fully staffed.  Meaning, employees are working longer shifts, activities may be cancelled or completely unavailable and individuals may be given basic, minimum care instead of having the time for interpersonal connections.  Some clients may receive services every other day instead of the needed every day when staff is unavailable to fill the desired services.  Every situation is different.

As I said previously, I find this industry to be one of great rewards.  Every day I get to work with individuals who share my passion to provide a high level of service.  I am surrounded by individuals who are working extra shifts, have sleepless nights when a client’s health is declining and family can’t come to see them, who skip lunch to hold the hand of a scared individual or who stay late to be sure someone gets into bed safely every night.

Then there are the stories.  I have learned about the holocaust from a survivor.  Heard stories about family’s joys and crisis. Looked at photos of trips and journeys from around the world. Heard about World War II from a lieutenant and perused over photos of autographed world leaders.  Stories of friendships which sometimes are short lived.  Yet each time, I get to see their eyes light up.  I hear their voice change reflecting apparent joy or sadness while the sentiment is shadowed in their eyes.  I am invited to share in the joy and sadness of someone else’s world for a period of time.  This creates a feeling of warmth and happiness which stays with me.

Do you want employment with amazing fulfilment, joy and impact?  Do you want to make a difference in the life of someone else?  You should consider a job with the senior population.  You may find it extremely rewarding!

Assured Assistance is a non-medical homecare company based in Shillington, PA. serving Reading, Wyomissing, Sinking Spring, West Lawn, and surrounding areas. We provide in home senior care, for seniors who want to remain in their homes but need some assistance to complete everyday tasks. Assured Assistance also provides respite care, home care, and compassionate skilled senior care. With home care, we can provide services which include but is not limited to…Companionship, Errand Services, Housekeeping, Laundry Services, Transportation, Organization Needs, Meal Preparation, Shopping/Groceries, Family Respite Care, Grooming/Hygiene Assistance AND More. We provide service when you want and how you want, anything from 3 hours to 24/7. If you are a caregiver who needs respite, a family member looking to assist your parents in their journey to remain independent or simply looking for help for yourself, call Assured Assistance at 610-796-4737. We can provide the home care you are looking for!