A patient and Isabelle Jennings, a teenage carer at the Life Care Centre in Kansas City, became close through music, especially hymns. Isabelle frequently assisted Mary Helen Schmelze and visited her room each Friday to sing a song.
A few months after they initially met, Mary’s health started to deteriorate. Congestive heart failure was on the verge of taking her life.
On her day off, Isabelle visited the care facility and sang a song for Mary one more time. She had picked “In the Garden” as her song. Julie, Mary’s daughter, captured the nursing assistant’s lovely singing for a friend on tape.
Isabelle insisted that she genuinely cared about everyone and was always ready to help. She comforted her family and Mary’s grandson when they found out about her illness. Every time Mary met Isabelle, she pushed her to sing for her.
Julie, Mary Helen’s daughter, uploaded the video to YouTube a few days after her mother passed away to inspire other carers. In the movie, Mary Helen talks about her experience as a carer and offers advice to anyone who could be in a similar situation.
The best present you can give someone, in Julie’s opinion, is your time. It will be much more valuable to your loved ones and friends than anything material.
In addition to giving direct patient care, carers play a critical role in educating patients and their families about their health conditions.
Only carers can truly complete the healthcare system. They provide the required care for patients in a variety of settings, such as private homes and hospitals.
The caregiver’s role is crucial, although it is frequently undervalued. Carers not only give physical care but also support the patient emotionally. They frequently stay with patients during tough times, as when they first learn they have a serious illness or when they are enduring difficult therapy.
Both their emotional and physical needs must be met by carers. Carer tasks usually include managing medications, making appointments, and giving personal care. The sheer volume of this could leave carers feeling powerless.
If you are a carer, be aware that you are not alone. Many people who understand what you’re going through can help you throughout this difficult time.
Many individuals are unaware of the daily generosity of countless skilled healthcare workers. We value your generosity and the affection you have for your patients.
Best wishes from the Seneca, Kansas, team at Life Care. We are grateful to Isabelle for providing so many individuals with a calming presence. Godspeed, Mother Helen.
