07/09/2018
Dear community,
The reason I am writing is to ask for help from our communities. As many of you have heard, there is an unprecedented lack of medical staffing and care providers in NH and in the nation. This has left our community with a desperate need to find care providers to assist our elderly and disabled neighbors.
Historically, a family with multiple generations living under one roof, friends, and the community would step in to assist the aging and ill. However, the times we live in do not allow this to be possible to the level needed to meet the needs of everyone. The family is now scattered around the globe. Families are trying to juggle jobs, children, activities and sports, education and their own home management and do not have the needed time or abilities to assist loved ones as they used to.
I and the other Homecare Providers in the area have been advertising and working together to address the employee shortage over the past year to no avail. Being able to go into someone’s home and know that you are changing a person’s life is one of the most wonderful experiences you can have. Something as simple as listening and spending time with people hearing their life experiences or giving a hug literally can change a person’s life. From being alone and feeling forgotten to having a companion that they can develop a lasting relationship with and look forward to seeing regularly to discuss life events, fears, joys and the unknown future.
I had started this as a plea to hire employees, not only my agency but the others in the community as well. It still is, but it is also a supplication to our community. We have so many lost souls in our world. People who have no one in their lives, no one to call on for assistance, no one to share a meal with, no one to share joys or heartaches with. How often do we get to pick up the phone or text a funny situation to family or a friend, or to rile against the injustices or politics of the world? How often do we take for granted that our family and friends will be there for us when we are sad, angry, scared, lonely or just need some human contact for a few minutes? Some people do not have that. At all. All their family and friends have passed on, been placed in a facility or, like them, they need assistance to communicate or engage with the outside world.
Yes, we are all looking to hire caregivers. It is such a wonderful job. It is challenging work, it can also be very emotionally taxing, but it is also so rewarding. This connection to others is what being a caregiver is about. If you are willing and able. Homecare is a gift. This can be a long-term career as well. I and the other agencies are willing to train the right individuals and to encourage your furthering in the medical field if that is your wish, but there is also a need for homemakers and companions as well. This involves taking a person shopping, running errands, making meals, pet care, doing some light housekeeping, reminding them to take medications. We are looking for all aspects of care. Even if you have no experience, if you have a genuine desire to work with people, and you meet the state safety requirements, we would love to talk with you about per-diem, part-time or full-time work. I am sure the other care providers in the area would as well.
One other thing to consider is that if you have a current job but not looking to add a few paid hours a week to your schedule, would you consider dropping by a neighbor’s home to say “HI, how are you?” Would you be willing to connect with your church or neighborhood to find out if anyone needs a few minutes of your life? Maybe a ride to church or to a community event that you are already going to? Can you change a lonely life by giving up a bit of yours?
Thank you for taking the time to read my appeal.
Heather Curtis-Tenney Curtis Quality Care, LLC
