My life as a Homecare Worker

by: Elanine Cabrera

My name is Elaine Cabrera and I proudly take care of my consumer,Sara M. Sissine, who is 93 years old. Over the years, Sara has developed a heart condition, breathing  problems and high blood pressure. She became my client thru the In-Home Supportive Services Program over four-and-a-half years ago. Since then, she and I have become  very close friends. Sara is extremely kind, loving and very appreciative of all the work that I do for her.

There is never a dull day with Sara. She is so upbeat. On a typical day, when I complete my daily chores, she will ask that I sit with her and watch the Food Channel to get cooking ideas. Sara enjoys watching the channel all day. We watch it together to develop ideas on projects that we work on. We go through magazines to get recipes. This past Halloween, we read the Ladies Journal together and got ideas on how to make pumpkin costumes for children. Sara and I have so much in common, it’s amazing. She is a seamstress and I enjoy knitting in my spare time. I knitted a blanket for Sara last Christmas. She covers herself with it when she sits in the living room on her favorite chair to watch the Food Channel. She also enjoys when I put make up on her and try new hairstyles. Oh, and most importantly, the lady can not go out the door without her earrings.

I’ve been a homecare worker on and off since 1987. I took care of my mother at one point and other clients that I was referred to thru the IHSS Program. With Sara, I perform housekeeping duties, prepare her meals, do her laundry, grocery shop and run errands. I also take care of Sara’s personal needs – I assist her by helping her bathe, dress and groom. I also provide the transportation to her medical appointments.

Providing Homecare Support is such a rewarding experience. At times it can drain you but I really enjoy the work and most importantly, the company. The general public doesn’t realize the hard work and dedication we provide until they find themselves in the situation through either a parent, sibling or child. You then appreciate not only what the program entails, but you also appreciate your loved one more. I love Sara very much and she knows it.