Visiting Angels of Auburn, NH’s Caregiver of the Month: Susan M.

Susan came to work for Visiting Angels of Auburn after caring for her own mother. She had seen ads from the agency for a couple years before applying, but the timing was never quite right. She describes her experience with Visiting Angels of Auburn as "eye opening" and has relished everything about it-she has learned a lot about the population and about the world through their experiences. She appreciates the way working with the elderly has enriched her life and hopes one day she can give just as much back to others.

Admittedly, her position as a caregiver has had its challenges. Susan talked about how every client needs a different kind of validation and they all have different coping strategies that are important to learn. One way that Visiting Angels of Auburn has helped to support caregivers in this endeavor is to create an individualized plan of care for each and every client-if caregivers take the time to read and implement the care plan and the notes from others on the case, it helps the client to be more successful. Susan stressed the importance of communication and mentioned finding it helpful to talk with co-workers on the same cases with her to help compare ways to better support each client.

A little-known fact about Susan, is that she has a degree in Spanish and had an opportunity to speak the language while spending time in South America. She also works in a school and has taken the opportunity to practice her skill with the Spanish teachers that she works with.

Caregivers of the Week for April 2020:

Judd H

Bev K

Lisa C

Rhonda VG