Why I love my home care job

Is this blog series, we honor our wonderfully talented employees who care for people whose lives are touched by illness. Here in their own words, HopeHealth’s home care providers reflect on what makes their jobs special.

Barbara Grossi, LPN

I like working in home care for so many reasons. Most importantly, I like the connections I make with patients in their homes.

I learn about not only their illness, but their lives in general, like what they did or do for a living. I like looking at pictures on their walls with them and hearing them reminisce about their families. I love the stories they tell.

I love the profound advice they give because of the many experiences they have had.

I love that they are interested in my life. They want to know about my family and listen to my stories. I love when they want to give me a hug!

Praise for HopeHealth Visiting Nurse

• The only agency in Rhode Island to be certified in community-based palliative care for achievement in delivering safe, effective care

• 1 of 5 agencies in the U.S. to achieve the highest quality level from Home Health Quality Improvement’s (HHQI), Cardio Milestone Five, for overall cardiovascular health improvement and dedication to home health care excellence

Karen Heath, Medical Social Worker

I am grateful to help others on their healing journeys, whether the journey is mental or physical, ongoing or ending.

Patients invite me into their homes and their lives. I get to listen while they tell me what’s in their hearts and on their minds—what they need or want, what might make life a little better. On a good day, I have the answer. Sometimes I don’t.

Our patients help us realize how important the little things in life really are, like sleeping in your own bed, reading in your rocking chair or watching a grandchild play.

Many are concerned about not being able to cook, clean or take a shower on their own. Some are afraid of falling and need the security of a life-alert device or a walker they didn’t know they could get for free.

Sometimes there’s an overwhelmed caregiver who just needs a bit of time to vent their feelings, get reassurance they are doing the right thing, or learn where to find help and support.

Our clients have diverse ages, races, economic classes and genders. They have varied backgrounds, religions and life experiences. Some need help paying for their medications. Some need meal delivery, food stamps or transportation to appointments.

What they all have in common is a streak of independence that keeps them going. They want to stay home with their families or pets as long as they can.

They help us realize how important the little things in life really are, like sleeping in your own bed, reading in your rocking chair or watching a grandchild play. Many need an advocate to confirm their right to self-determination.

It is rewarding to help them achieve their goals by providing them with education or access to available resources, or to sit and listen to them as they express their hopes and concerns about what they are going through. Sometimes just changing one thing can make all the difference. Sometimes, my just being there is all they need.

Kaitlyn Larko, Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapy (OT) focuses on addressing the difficulties that stand in the way of someone’s independence. For a lot of people, these difficulties impact their ability to function in their home, whether it’s taking a shower or preparing dinner.

Working in home care gives the patient and me the advantage of tackling these obstacles head on, right in their home environment. You don’t get that advantage in other health care settings.

The feeling I get from helping and witnessing a person reach his or her highest level of independence is indescribable.

Annmarie Vieira, Physical Therapist

It makes me feel good to know I am making a difference in someone’s life, no matter how big or small.

I was drawn to home care because of its flexibility, benefits and autonomy. Many of my co-workers and bosses said I wouldn’t’ like it or I’d lose my skills. Well, it’s been six years, and I still love my job!

It makes me feel good to know I am making a difference in someone’s life, no matter how big or small. For some patients, we are all they have and trust. It gives me joy when I can teach someone something that makes them stronger, safer or more knowledgeable.

I love that in homecare, every day is different, every day is a new challenge. I love to hear my patients’ stories, meet their families, and be welcomed into their homes.

With every job there are pros and cons. Some days are tough and I come home sad, but I believe that makes me a better therapist and stronger person.

Emily Torres, RN

This is definitely the most rewarding and satisfying nursing position I’ve had.

I truly love working in home care because it gives me the opportunity to get to know my patients and build relationships with them. I love educating them on their illnesses and ways to help prevent hospitalizations.

There are difficult days, but there are also opportunities for celebration when patients meet their goals and no longer need my care. I’m also glad I can support and comfort my patients and their families if they need to transition to hospice.