It’s been said that “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.” In our experience, we’ve found that this truism applies to caregivers who have long careers helping others.  Seniors prefer Homecare has introduced some wonderful people to the homecare industry and has watched them flourish. If you ask them how they feel about being a professional caregiver, without exception, they’ll tell you how much they love it. What is it about caregiving that they find so rewarding? Here are five reasons we hear most from caregivers about why they are so passionate about their homecare career.

WORK FROM A HOME ENVIRONMENT

Who doesn’t hate office drama, uncomfortable clothing, or overbearing managers? But, caregivers don’t have to report to an office every day; they perform their professional duties in the homes of adults needing a patient, caring person to help them age at home, instead of in an assisted living facility, nursing home, or another type of institution.

You’ll be happy to know that most of your duties are the same tasks you perform at home – cooking, light housekeeping, companionship, and maybe an occasional reminder to take medication. You’re simply doing what you do for yourself for others who now find it difficult to perform those tasks.

BECOME PART OF A NEW FAMILY

Many caregivers develop unique relationships with clients and their families. They become extended family members because of the compassionate care they provide that would otherwise fall on the family.

The adult children of clients are particularly appreciative of caregiver assistance. Your being there allows them to live their lives without having to worry about an aging parent. A caregiver provides security and peace of mind to the entire family.

MEET PEOPLE WITH INCREDIBLE STORIES

Most of your clients will be older adults who have some fantastic stories to tell. They have a tremendous amount of life experience, and you’ll enjoy learning about how people lived when they were growing up and tales of places they’ve been and people they’ve met.

Clients love to share their experiences, and they love to hear about yours. It won’t take long for you to feel comfortable talking about your own adventures and sharing stories about your travels and experiences.

HAVE FLEXIBILITY AND INDEPENDENCE

As a caregiver, you have a tremendous amount of flexibility with scheduling. You choose the number of hours, time of day, and days of the week that meet your needs and will work for your client.

For example, you may have family obligations that cause you to be unable to work before 9 am and after 4 pm Monday through Thursday. Working with an agency affords you the opportunity to be paired with a client that your schedule will work well with.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN SOMEONE’S LIFE

There are few careers where you can say you’re making a difference. A career at homecare means you’ll be helping people age with dignity in the place they feel safest – their own home. You provide the compassionate, one-on-one care that people don’t receive in a facility—your work matters.

Do you think caregiving can make a difference in your life, too? If so, feel free to contact us for information on caregiving opportunities in Huntsville & Tuscaloosa that are now available and how you can get started.