Mutual respect and bonding over shared interests is key to any relationship, which is why we love when our clients and caregivers connect in meaningful ways. One of our clients, Kelly, and her caregiver, Carissa, have developed a wonderful friendship that has made Kelly feel seen as a person — not a disabled person.
After some health issues which left Kelly disabled, her husband cared for her on his own for quite some time. And while he did a wonderful job, the family decided they all needed more support.
When Focus Healthcare assigned Carissa as Kelly’s caregiver, we had a feeling it would be a great match. Our Care Coordinator, Linda, spent time with Kelly and her husband to not only determine the kind of care that she needed, but to learn more about them as individuals — like their love of cooking, smoking meat, and playing board games. Not only was Carissa a great fit from a skills standpoint, but Linda knew she would be a great caregiver match because she shared a lot of those same interests with Kelly and her husband.
Carissa immediately felt right at home with Kelly, and Kelly with Carissa. They bonded over BBQ recipes, their favorite games, and sharing stories about their lives. Carissa and Kelly have continued to build their relationship, spending their time together talking about cooking, swapping recipes and kitchen tips, and playing Yahtzee.
While companionship is essential, Carissa also helps Kelly with personal care routines. Kelly’s favorite part about this is that Carissa regularly styles her hair for her. Carissa’s care and attention to detail when doing Kelly’s hair have helped Kelly feel more confident, while Carissa has enjoyed helping Kelly find a style that fits her personality and is easy to manage.
Carissa and Kelly’s companionship has brought joy, relief, and a renewed sense of possibility to Kelly’s life. We hope their relationship continues to grow and be rewarding.
Relationships like Carissa’s and Kelly’s are what we strive to create with each and every caregiver match. If you’re thinking about in-home health services, please reach out to us and find out how we can help you and your family.
