Working on the Weekend.
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
United States
July 8, 2007 5:37pm CST
Up until Friday, I only had to work weekdays. This past weekend was my first weekend. Although the work routine didn't change much, I did have to provide more personal care for a couple of the patients. I was responsible for bathing, dressing and meal prep.
Many people say they wouldn't be able to do the work that I do. But, you really have to think about how much your work is appreciated by those that you care for and to their care givers. All the doubts quickly vanish.
8 people like this
20 responses
@Polly1 (12645)
• United States
8 Jul 07
I did some work like you do. I had one lady that I helped. I went to her house two times a week, and then I spent the day with her. I would make her doc appts. when I would be there, so I could take her. I did the cleaning, grocery shopping, banking, took the dog to the vet and for grooming. I did whatever needed done. She became a precious part of my life. You have a very important job, keep up the good work. What you do for your clients is precious to them.
3 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
8 Jul 07
One woman I work with told me that she is so fortunate to have had me enter her life. That is such a great compliment.
@Feona1962 (7526)
• United States
8 Jul 07
When I did in home care, I worked every other weekend..It was very rewarding to help someone in need..They are very happy to have someone there, even if it is just to talk with them..I like making others feel better and that makes me feel good..
@ElusiveButterfly (45940)
• United States
8 Jul 07
I know that my being there brightened the day for both the patient and their caregiver. Many times the caregiver is soley responsible for the care of a loved one. It becomes overwhelming for them. I am happy to be there for them.
@GardenGerty (157546)
• United States
9 Jul 07
Some people even say that they cannot provide personal care for their loved ones, let alone as a job. There are people who are more nurturing and more able to do so. There will always be a job market and a need for those people. I explain sometimes to others who praise me for the residential support I offer, and for the fact that sometimes I work holidays and weekends,but if I do not show up, things do not get done, and life is pretty boring and bland for my clients. I would hope that if the situation was reversed, I would have willing and cheerful caregivers in my life. I know that is the kind of care you give, as well.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (157546)
• United States
9 Jul 07
I took care of my husband when he had Lou Gehrig's disease, and even in the nursing home I provided more care than staff did. Yes those personal aspects are harder, my sister lived with me for awhile as she was ill with bone cancer. Younger sister. I got angry with her for being sick. It was a dear time, and it was good I helped her with her kids. Later she lived on her own again, and then with our brother. The residential support I do is not so medically oriented, but is with adult mentally handicapped. I am trained as nurse aid, med aid, social services designee, and activity director. My full time job is a paraprofessional in the schools.
1 person likes this
@RobinJ (2501)
• Canada
9 Jul 07
Good on for you, most home care is only provided on week days and friends or family have to do the week end work. It is not an easy job necessarily, taking care of people that are unable or incapable is very difficult. Even though they are not able to do the job them selves they do not or can not assist the care givers . I admire any one that is a caregiver, it is hard and difficult work, with some and a lovely job with others You never know who or what is going to show up on your list. Well done
1 person likes this
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
9 Jul 07
I work each and every weekend and have for several years. It really kills the social life but you do what you have to do.
As for your job?...oh no....Kudos to you! it takes a very special person to do what you do. Im sure that you are not appreciated as much as you should be. Many people take for granted people like you. i have some friends that do that type of work....they are very dedicated and I admire them so much.
2 people like this
@wilynn (751)
• Singapore
9 Jul 07
In my home country, long hours is very common and most often no one appreciates. Hence, I really hate to work overtime. I get really angry... I am guessing you are a nurse. The patients will appreciate hence lucky you. FOr me, I work in the office. Hence, those stupid office politics and nonsensical people always talk nonsense. Now, I am not working so I'm so happy... hahaha...
1 person likes this
@Thoroughrob (11742)
• United States
9 Jul 07
I know the work that you do. It is not easy. I have a disabled son, he is 12 and 140 pounds. I also helped with my grandma before her stroke. Most people do appreciate you for helping them. I hope you had a good weekend!!
1 person likes this
@Penguinsangel (3498)
• United States
14 Jul 07
Did you enjoy working the weekend or do you perfer to work only weekdays if given the choice?
Even though the work is very much appericated by both the patient and the family, I don't know that I could do it to strangers. Family I could probably do even friends, but strangers I'd have a hard time with.
Are you enjoying our job?
@missigfunk (38)
• Australia
9 Jul 07
i work only weekends at the moment in retail. its all ive really ever known.
some jobs just need 7 days a week attention.
1 person likes this
@KrisNY (7590)
• United States
12 Jul 07
EEEKK—working on the weekend- But then again in that line of work- someone has to help those people on the weekends also- I think it’s great that you enjoy what you do- It takes a special kind of person to do it- I could do the cooking and the shopping and cleaning (if you do this) but I’m not sure I could do the batheing-
@eaforeman6 (8979)
• United States
9 Jul 07
I do housework on weekends and thats about it.....thats my time and after working weekends for a very long time , I dont want to do it anymore....if it were to come to force then...it will be my last alternative.....
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
9 Jul 07
I work with developmentally disabled adults, we work every weekend and I must admit, that it is getting very old. I wish I would be on the same schedule as everyone else, even if it was only one weekend a month.
But I do like what I do.
1 person likes this
@melanie652 (2524)
• United States
10 Jul 07
I don't think I could do the work you do? I think you're a very caring person to be able to do it and enjoy it too. I'm sure your patients *really* appreciate what you do for them?
@Willowlady (10658)
• United States
9 Jul 07
I am glad you are working. Did you get any extra money for working on the weekend? Anyway, it takes a special person to tend to the needs of an adult. The appreiciation is much enjoyed but you have to have that caring gene in you to do them justice. So keep up the reports and I can keep being proud of you.
@ladysurvivor (4746)
• Malaysia
9 Jul 07
Yesterday was Sunday and I was working the whole day. The same goes with Saturday. My husband was also working so I didn't have the mood to watch tv all alone by myself. So I started posting discussions in myLot Saturdays and Sundays. It has been a while that we didn't work on weekends, but last week was an exceptional. I hope my husband didn't have to work this week so we can go out and have some fun like usual.
@maribea (2366)
• Italy
9 Jul 07
my dear friend taking care of other people is such a challenge but it is so remunerative..I mean inner remuneration of course. I have jsut finished talking with some people who needed help for caring about a relative with a severe form of dementia...it was so important for them that I recognised their difficulties and gave them the opportunity of expressing their needs besides than those of the patient..now they know that they need and they will look for somebody like you to take care of their relatives...and I am sure their eyes will express how much this is important
@66jerseygirl (3877)
• United States
9 Jul 07
I know what you mean. It's hard work being a caregiver. Sometimes i am taken for granted but mostly the patient's relatives are real grateful.
@Cassy1976 (796)
• Australia
9 Jul 07
I also work in this sort of field and I think that it takes a special sort of person to be able to do it, alot of people have said to me that they dont know how they do the job that I do, but I love it! I work with people with brain injuries who can not do alot of things for themselves and it is one of the best jobs that I have ever had! I work every weekend while my partner stays at home and looks after our daughter it works out really well for us!
