A Caregiver Par Excellence

Since my disabled son, Jay, is wonderfully cared for by an older gentleman named John, I consider myself to be extremely lucky. John is a quiet and unobtrusive middle-aged man who enjoys taking care of Jay. He provides all of my son’s needs during the day when I first recuperated from surgery and now that I’m back at work.

Usually he works five days a week for us, but since the day after Christmas, when I had part of my lung removed and all of the cancer, John has come to our house daily. For that, I am eternally grateful, since I’m not able to lift Jay yet (at least for another month) and also I tire so easily. John has never exhibited a temper or made us feel like we’re taking advantage of him (he is paid a salary, but still he hasn’t had much time off since my surgery). He goes about his business in a quiet, professional and gentle manner.

John’s exceptional care giving skills allow me to have peace of mind that Jay’s needs are being perfectly met. I don’t feel frustrated at not being able to do all of the activities for Jay that I’ve provided for him in the past 31 years. Some of these care-giving skills include: feeding, bathing, basic hygiene, purchasing food, answering the phone, and helping Jay with any of his computer issues.

Recently, I called the agency where John is registered, and nominated him for the “Caregiver of the Year” award, while explaining why he has surpassed my greatest expectations. Happily, John did win the award and was given his plaque at a special dinner. He was quite pleased, but not as much as I was, for going above and beyond what his job description defined.

I guess behind every cloud there really is a “silver” lining. In this case, I’d “beg to differ” and say it was a “golden” one instead, since John’s care giving skills are a perfect example of a “gold standard” in compassionate care.