L to R: Mele, Connie, Rosita and BiBi sat down with us recently to talk about their roles as caregivers. With a total combined 43 years (!) of service with Lytton, these women have truly touched the lives of so many residents.

Interview with Lytton Assisted Living Caregivers
October 14, 2008

In simple terms, what did your life look like before you worked here?
B: Worked at Glenwood Inn for 9 years as a caregiver
M: Worked as a nanny for children
R: 10 years in housekeeping, then became an NA (Nurses Aide) in the Health Care Center for 8 years. I wanted to serve the residents even more and began working under Doris, as a caregiver for the past 2 years. This has been the perfect opportunity.
C: I worked part time in a hospital working with patients and also worked with another senior care resident facility.

What was your biggest fear before starting this job?
C: Not knowing what to expect from each individual resident. Learning to work with personality traits, physical needs and moods that each person comes with.
M: I didn’t really have many fears since I was familiar with this type of job. The only thing might be working at night during a tragedy, like an earthquake or fire, and making sure everyone pays attention to their roles and managing everyone.

What have you learned from your experience as a caregiver?
B: I’ve learned most of my skills from Doris, the Director of Assisted Living, who explains how to do things correctly – the proper procedures. If she sees something wrong, she takes the time to explain why it should be done a certain way. Her communication is very open so I feel comfortable expanding my knowledge.
C: I’ve learned more advanced skills than I had before: medications, inhalers, blood pressure. I’ve also realized that having strong support from the other caregivers allows me to accomplish many tasks for a resident.
R: Patience! Giving the most value to the residents, even though it can be hard work, requires patience and honoring individual needs.
M: How to best serve and interact with each resident. Individual care is what makes this work rewarding.

What do you think is most important to those you care for?
M: Respect. Residents value being respected. Making them feel at ease, talking softly and bringing good energy.
R: Appreciation. Residents enjoy giving back to me as a caregiver and I know that they appreciate what I do for them.
C: Politeness. Residents know I do my best all the time for them. Even the little things, make a big difference for them every day.

What do you love the most about what you do?
R: I enjoy serving and interacting with the residents in the dining room. It’s very social.
C: A little bit of everything – I like the variety. Friendships, camaraderie, enjoying the residents.
B: I enjoy helping with resident requests. When they need my assistance, even for little things, I enjoy helping them.
M: To love the residents. Assist with everything and make their daily lives better.

If you could change one myth about this job, what would it be?
R: I think some people think assisted living is a bad experience, that residents are not taken care of. Here, residents’ needs are definitely taken care of!
C, B, M: Here, it is very homey and cozy. Residents always get together as friends and share stories and activities. There is a strong sense of community – everyone worries about each other and how someone is doing if they are sick. There’s always someone here to help with medications or in the dining room.