Gladys C. Shares Some Secrets to Her Three Decades of Service with Kadan Homecare
When Gladys was looking for employment, she needed a job that would give her the flexibility to take time off to care for her asthmatic daughter. She found that traditional positions penalized her for taking time away, so she looked for one with more flexibility. That’s when caring for seniors came into view for her.
“I have always been interested in older people and the stories they tell,” said Gladys. “I have tried other jobs, but I quickly found that caregiving with Kadan fulfills me.”
For Gladys, caregiving has become much more than taking vitals. “I want to hear that story they’ve already told me several times with fresh ears. I take pride in remembering their birthdays and anniversaries, even if their spouse is gone,” she said. “These dates are important to them so that makes them important to me, too.”
“Matching caregivers to clients is a large part of what we do. We want our clients to see our caregivers as an extension of their families,” said Dina Kadan White, vice president. “But our careful process also helps increase caregiver satisfaction. That helps deepen our relationship with outstanding caregivers like Gladys. They become like our family.”
Sometimes, new clients can be reluctant to open up to a caregiver. One of the ways Gladys draws them out is to ask them how they met their spouses. “I always say, ‘Was it love at first sight?’ and that starts them talking,” Gladys said. “I like to get them smiling and remembering the happy times.”
Gladys’ attention to detail, especially as it relates to how the household operates, helps her bond with her clients as well. “One couple that I worked with included a husband who was medically challenged and a wife who was not. Their tradition was that they had dinner together every night at 6:30, so we continued that. It was an important way to keep things as normal as possible,” she said.
Gladys doesn’t think this year’s work anniversary is worthy of fuss. “This 30-year work anniversary really slipped up on me,” said Gladys. “When you enjoy what you do, you don’t notice how much time has passed. I am proud of the fact that I have spent my entire caregiving career with Kadan. There is nowhere I’d rather be.”
“While obviously an outstanding caregiver, Gladys does more than provide excellent care. She cares for her clients as if they are part of her family,” reiterated White. “Thirty years is a long time to be in any job and we are honored that she has chosen to spend her caregiving career with us.”
Caring for Family as Families as Only Family Can
At Kadan Homecare, it is a privilege to care for seniors – whether families need a little bit of help or full-time assistance. For more information about Kadan’s award-winning care services for seniors, visit www.kadan.org.
