A New Chapter: From Teacher to Caregiver
After 13 years of teaching in France, Eileen found herself seeking a new direction. Though she had loved her time in the classroom, particularly working with children and teaching English, she began to feel the need for a change. “Education shapes the world of tomorrow,” she says, reflecting on her teaching career, “but caregiving allows you to help people in the here and now.”
Moving to Spokane opened new doors for her, leading her to consider caregiving. While she didn’t have extensive experience, other than supporting her grandfather through illness, she felt drawn to the personal and immediate nature of caregiving. “When you’re giving, you’re happy,” Eileen explains. “There’s personal satisfaction in that.” The mission of Family Resource Home Care resonated with her deeply, and she quickly fell in love with the organization and the meaningful work.
Falling in Love with the Mission
Eileen’s time in the field was more than just a job—it became a passion. The direct contact she had with clients allowed her to understand their needs in a way that ignited her desire to make a broader impact. “I absolutely fell in love with the whole mission of Family Resource Home Care and the amazing support that I had,” she says, reflecting on her initial role as a caregiver. This deep connection to the mission and the unique insight she gained from clients motivated her to apply for the Caregiver Manager role.
“I wanted to help in a different way,” she shares. “I had mastered seeing the needs of people in the field, and now I can help support them from another perspective.”
Supporting Caregivers: Communication is Key
Eileen believes that the key to exceptional caregiving lies in communication. “Caregivers often feel a little alone due to the nature of the job,” she explains. “Being able to let them open up, feel encouraged, and remind them of the sacredness of their work is crucial.” She acknowledges that caregiving can be difficult, and it’s easy to get bogged down by the day-to-day tasks. But Eileen’s goal as a Caregiver Manager is to remind her team of the impact they have on their client’s lives. “When caregivers feel supported and understood, they do a better job, and that leads to happier clients.”
She also wants to emphasize the beauty and importance of the work they do. “It’s beautiful and uplifting,” she says. “Reminding caregivers of the importance of their work can renew their energy.”
Building Relationships: The Heart of Caregiving
For Eileen, the heart of caregiving is the human connection. “Human relationships are the most important part of life,” she says. “This job brings so much more than just a paycheck. There’s a human relationship that’s established from spending time together, and that’s where the true reward lies.”
Her advice to those considering caregiving is to focus on the reward that comes from helping others maintain their independence. “It’s not always easy, but it’s amazing work. The personal rewards you get from giving are unmatched.”
Teaching in a New Way
While Eileen no longer teaches in the traditional sense, she still finds joy in mentoring and coaching caregivers. “One of the reasons I was interested in this job was because I love teaching,” she shares. “There are a lot of opportunities in this role to coach and train young caregivers who are just coming into the workforce.”
Eileen’s passion for education now takes the form of guiding others in caregiving, helping them grow and succeed in a field she has come to love.
A Mission with Meaning
Eileen’s journey from educator to caregiver and now Caregiver Manager is a testament to the power of finding meaning in the work you do. Whether in a classroom or a client’s home, Eileen’s desire to make a difference shines through. As she continues to support and guide her team, her dedication to helping others remains her driving force, both as a teacher and as a compassionate leader.
The Joy of Giving: Personal Fulfillment Through Caregiving
Eileen wanted to add a final thought about her journey from caregiver to Caregiver Manager: “Not only does our job improve other people’s lives, but it also plays a big role in our own personal fulfillment. It makes us better, happier people. As they say, ‘there is more joy in giving than in receiving,’ and any caregiver can tell you about the immense joy that comes from truly giving one’s time and care to someone in need.” This reflection highlights the deep sense of purpose that caregiving brings, not just to clients but to those who serve them.
Join Our Compassionate Team – Culture Beyond Compare
If Eileen’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 30 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.
