This next month is going to be busy busy busy! I did two blog posts to catch everyone up since we didn't have internet for the last few weeks...
I was approached by franks mom about a month ago and asked if I would like to work with her at her job; a group home for adults with special-needs. One of the employees is on leave for the next month and they needed someone to fill in. I decided it would be a great chance to get experience. I am not sure it is what I would like to be doing in the future. However, you never know if you never try! So I am going to "give it a go". I have spent a couple of days "training" and the first day I was nearly ready to drop the hat... it was so overwhelming, and I felt so inadequate for the job. I have NEVER worked in any sort of health care, only child care, so it was a little scary (it still is a bit, but it is looking a bit less daunting every day.) I still couldn't say if I love the work or not, but I am starting to appreciate it. To know you are making someones day better every single day is a good feeling. The patients range from needing just a bit of help and guidance to those who need you for everything, including wheeling around, feeding and hygiene. My parents have brought us kids to nursing homes our whole lives to visit the elderly and brighten their days. It is an environment that I am a bit familiar with, and not intimidated by, I just have always known that working with the elderly is not the type of work my personality is compatible with. I love children, and I love teaching new things to them. This new work is a bit of a mix between both types of work, and in that I think I can do the job, and perhaps come to like it. So far, though, I still prefer working with children, and hope to find work for after Christmas in childcare/education once again.
On top of working 75% (I think 35 hours a week?) at the group home, I am still working one night a week doing English club (which I totally enjoy!) and cleaning for one of Franks aunts (which I also have come to enjoy, but mostly for the company!) It's going to be a busy month, that's for sure!
I did my CNA clinicals at a nursing home where we cared for the elderly. At first, I was quite uncomfortable - because it was all new to me. I told myself "This might be somebody's mother/grandmother...so I will imagine he/she is mine...and care for him/her as if they were!" (Or at least how I would want someone to be caring for my grandmother!) This made it much easier!!! My biggest problem? I started to become attached to the people - and worried about them when I wasn't there! Remember when one elderly woman told Dad "I am still that same young person inside, in spite of what my body looks like". They have much to offer us - and we as a society do not glean from the wisdom of our older citizens like we should! You are going to do wonderfully...they are still that "young person" inside! :)
ReplyDeleteLove to you and Frank!
Mom