Discovering a Purpose in Caregiving
Sydney’s journey into home care wasn’t planned. Fresh out of college, she found herself working at a movie theater, unsure of what career path to take. The thought of what she could do for the next 20 to 40 years lingered in her mind. In February 2020, she took a leap and joined a home care agency as a caregiver. Then, the pandemic hit.
“Everything changed so quickly. It went from ‘let’s see how this goes’ to something much more serious,” Sydney recalled.
During this time, she found herself working overnight shifts with hospice clients. It was here that she realized the profound impact caregivers can have. Helping people maintain their dignity and autonomy in their final days gave Sydney a newfound sense of purpose.
Transitioning to Leadership at Family Resource Home Care
Her dedication and skill didn’t go unnoticed. Sydney was promoted to a scheduling position, where she gained a deeper understanding of the logistics behind home care. However, it wasn’t until Family Resource Home Care opened in Silverdale that she found a company whose mission truly resonated with her.
“When Family Resource Home Care started accepting Medicaid, it was a huge driving force for me to switch over. I felt like I could do more for people who were struggling economically,” Sydney said.
She joined as a lead caregiver, which exposed her to a wider range of clients and care environments. When the opportunity to become a Caregiver Manager arose, she considered it alongside a potential Client Care Supervisor position. Her manager, however, pointed out that Sydney’s natural inclination toward supporting caregivers made her a perfect fit for the Caregiver Manager role.
“I kept finding myself answering questions and mentoring caregivers. The role just made sense for me,” Sydney explained.
Supporting Caregivers with Firsthand Experience
Now, as a Caregiver Manager, Sydney leverages her caregiving background to guide her team with practical, hands-on advice. Having been in their shoes, she understands the challenges they face and can provide specific, situational guidance.
“One of the biggest advantages of having been a caregiver myself is that I can give caregivers real-life examples. Whether it’s redirecting a client, de-escalating a situation, or understanding how to approach a particular need, I can offer tailored advice instead of just general feedback.”
This ability to bridge the gap between office leadership and in-the-field caregiving allows Sydney to provide meaningful support to her team and ensure the best outcomes for clients.
Advice for Those New to Home Care
Sydney has valuable insight for both clients and caregivers who are new to home care.
For clients, she encourages asking plenty of questions and assessing their home environment before services begin.
“Every client’s needs and family dynamics are different. Make a list of priorities—what you absolutely need help with and what you would like help with. Communicating this upfront helps set both the client and the caregiver up for success.”
For caregivers, she emphasizes the importance of asking questions—even hypothetical ones.
“If you can imagine it, it’s probably happened before. Don’t be afraid to ask. Understanding the ‘why’ behind what we do is so important because it directly affects the client’s quality of life.”
She also stresses the importance of reliability.
“Calling off a shift might seem small, but for a client, it can be a huge disruption to their daily needs. It’s important to recognize the impact of our role in their lives.”
Communication is Key
Through all her experiences, Sydney has learned one vital lesson: communication is everything.
“You can’t overcommunicate. The more context caregivers, clients, and office staff have, the better care we can provide. Sometimes, a caregiver-client mismatch isn’t really a mismatch—it’s just a training issue. Open communication helps us work through these things and find the best solutions.”
Her ability to foster clear communication and provide support based on firsthand experience makes Sydney an invaluable leader at Family Resource Home Care in Silverdale. Her journey from an uncertain post-college job search to a fulfilling career in caregiving and leadership is a testament to the power of finding purpose in helping others.
Join Our Compassionate Team – Culture Beyond Compare
If Sydney’s journey has sparked your interest in the fulfilling world of caregiving, we invite you to embark on your own transformative path. Family Resource Home Care is always on the lookout for dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. With over 40 locations spanning across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, there’s an opportunity waiting for you to join our compassionate community. Whether you’re an experienced caregiver or considering a career change, take the leap and explore the rewarding realm of caregiving with us. Discover the joy of creating meaningful connections and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Your journey begins here – join us in spreading warmth, care, and support.
