Shield HealthCare 2017 Caregiver Contest Grand Prize Winner | Areena S.
Areena (pictured above with her husband and daughter) lives in Colorado and works in long term care. She started her career because she has always had the desire to play an active role in helping improve the quality of life for others. She enjoys camping, cooking, and playing games with her family and close friends. Areena was inspired to write her winning entry because she has been a caregiver for much of her life and has a passion for encouraging others in similar situations. Her husband is now a full time caregiver and her desire was to remind him and others that what they do really makes a difference!
What advice would you give a fellow caregiver?
What you are doing is going to be the hardest job you have ever done. No matter what your relationship is with the individual you care for, you will never be as appreciated as you wish you were. Most people won’t understand what you are going through: physically, emotionally, spiritually … or what you have lost or sacrificed to be in this position right now. You may tell yourself you are doing this out of duty, obligation, because of what others expect of you. Let me tell you the truth: you are making a difference in the life of someone. If they could, they would tell you how amazing you are for committing your life to them in such a sacrificial way. It’s ok if you don’t bring your “A” game every day because you chose to show up in the trenches with them, in a place they cannot leave, and sometimes just being there makes all the difference. People give up on their commitments every day, but you don’t. Your drive comes from a place of love and compassion. Nurture that and remember to take care of yourself. When you are having your hardest days, remember that love drives you and do something to love yourself. Be gracious to yourself. It can be frustrating and lonely where you are, but in the end, this gift you’re giving is worth it!!!
Click here to return to the contest home page and read more winners’ advice.
Winners were selected by a panel of independent judges, including: Sandra Mitchell, Award-winning KCAL 9 news anchor and breast cancer survivor, and the Landers family: actor and comedian David Landers (“Laverne & Shirley”) who is living with MS, his wife Kathy and his daughter Natalie (“The Middle”). Click here to learn more.
