By PCA "Graduate" Tori Ford -— as told to Barbara C. Susman
I'm 58. I used to be a sign printer. Then recession hit and I was unemployed. I went to some senior residences and enjoyed interacting with people there. But I had never worked with older adults and knew I would never get hired. Then, last spring, my friend Claudia (Norton, manager of Willamette Oaks) told me about Lane's 40 hour Personal Care Aide (PCA) class. She said it could lead to a new career and perhaps even a new way of life. She told me that in-home care and assisted living companies are more likely to hire students that come through it. I was ready!
I enrolled. Our instructors, Shirley and Dale, asked us to share the reason we signed up. I said that, at the end of the day, I want to know I've made a difference. We all want to do something with our lives.
The class was really fun! Lots of laughter. Lots of learning. I made a couple of friends. I had been very nervous. But I found out we're all in the same situation. Shirley and Dale were great. They seemed to enjoy the class as much as we did.
Claudia told me about Visiting Angels in-home care company. I called and they interviewed me right away, saying they would put me to work as soon as I finished the class. I brought them my "Award of Completion" after the last class. Within two weeks I had my first client. Seven weeks later I won their "Most Positive feedback from Family" award. It's great to work in such a positive environment!
Now I average 32 hours per week, which is perfect for me. It's close enough to full-time, and it gives me time to relax and recharge.
My Mom had MS for 35 years. My Dad was her main caregiver. That's where I learned kindness and how much it's the little things that matter. Sometimes I can't believe I get paid for just helping people do things.
I can't imagine not being a Personal Care Aide. Helping people stay at home, have fuller lives, and know that they're still important makes me feel important too.
I made an investment in my life. And I like to think it was also an investment in other people's lives too.
For more information:
--Successful Aging Institute Personal Care Aide Training
Published by Lane Community College Continuing Education, March 2015.