Mary Ann’s journey in the home care sector began as a volunteer mother's helper at the tender age of 13 for the Red Cross in Tampa. Decades later, her passion for caring for others remains undiminished. She believes it's her calling, her journey to help others from their birth till their last breath.
A Lifelong Commitment to Care
Mary Ann's dedication to care extends beyond just humans. She's currently pursuing training to become a doula for infants, children, adults, and even pets. She stresses the importance of planning for end-of-life care, for both humans and pets alike. Too many, she notes, avoid confronting the reality of death, failing to make necessary arrangements or wills for their pets.
Her commitment and empathy are palpable in her favorite memory as a caregiver. She recalls assisting a blind senior and helping bridge communication barriers with her family, underscoring the profound impact caregivers have on their patients’ lives.
Navigating Personal Health Challenges
Despite her unwavering dedication to her work, Mary Ann has her own health battles to contend with. She suffers from lupus, a condition that significantly impacts her immune system. But she refuses to let her ailment dictate her life. With careful planning, clear communication with her patients, and self-advocacy, she balances her health needs and her work commitments.
The Reality of the Home Care Workforce
When Mary Ann touches upon the practicalities and challenges of the profession, her candor is striking. She emphasizes the need for companies to value their caregivers, revealing a concerning disparity in pay scales. A home health aide, despite undergoing specific training, earns merely a fraction more than an entry-level job at McDonald's.
Her phone constantly buzzes with offers from various companies desperate for her expertise, a testament to the dire need for caregivers. Yet, she often juggles multiple jobs to make ends meet because many caregiving roles don't pay enough.
Advocating for Change
For Mary Ann, the path forward is clear: comprehensive training and better support systems for caregivers. She believes in starting training early, right from school, to encourage more individuals to join the healthcare system. More importantly, she stresses that training shouldn't be a one-off affair. To provide the best care, continuous learning and adaptation are essential.
She also draws attention to the pressing issue of burnout. The sheer emotional and physical toll of the job, often exacerbated by long hours and a lack of replacements, needs addressing. To her, health insurance stands out as the most significant benefit an employer can offer, though it's often contingent on working a certain number of hours.
The Heart of Caregiving
Above all, Mary Ann believes that the core of caregiving lies in love and compassion for all. She stays with companies that prioritize communication and sees the most reward in the connections she forms with her patients.
For those looking to make a difference, to embark on a fulfilling and impactful journey, Mary Ann's message is clear: embrace caregiving. With better training, support, and opportunities, the sector can only grow, drawing in more individuals with a passion for care.
In the end, Mary Ann wishes for a world where every individual, especially the disabled, has access and the ability to be part of the community. It's a testament to her lifelong commitment to inclusivity, care, and love.
To listen to Mary Ann's interview and to see more stories of the direct care workforce, explore the "One Voice. Many Stories" project published in partnership with the National Association for Home Care and Hospice.
