Compassion for All

RD 120- Van Ras

MWF-2:00 P.M.

February 19, 2013

This I Believe Essay

Compassion for All

I am a strong believer in compassion for all. I have been a caregiver my whole life and have seen many times that compassion was not showed. Many of our elders are shunned and treated with such disrespect. This is something that should shame us all.

I have seen many clients do things that are harmful to them self and others and that I would hope that they would not do. I have always tried at this point not to let my emotions get in the way of their care. Most seniors by the time I’m in their lives’ and working with them are set in their ways and there is really no changing their habits, all I can do as a caregiver is offer my support and help with things they need my help with.

I am always appalled when I see a co-worker yelling at a client or just not listening to them and their needs. I try to always explain everything to my clients. I want them to fully understand every little aspect of their care. This is a right that they are in titled to; they should be allowed as much decision making of their care that they are able to participate in. When we treat them with compassion they are happier. Being content can help improve all aspects of their lives’. I am always amazed how a little smile or a kind word can change their day.

It is a fine line caregivers have to walk and be able to do their job. I think my understanding and caring that has led me to this job and life was from my grandmother. I held such respect for her she was a strong women, she handled everything life threw at her with such grace.

When I was a child and she was caring for her aging mother, she would say “Lisa, no matter what they do we must always show the greatest respect