Cat recently joined Homage as a member of the Partnerships team. Being a cheerful individual, Cat has been a wonderful addition to the team Homage. Cat is also the carer for her parents so she understands first hand the importance of getting care and support right for our loved ones. She shares her own experiences as a carer and how it helps her to support our clients at Homage:
How did the journey to care for your parents begin? Please tell us how you help your parents.
I was fortunate to be adopted at birth by my parents, who are now aged in their 80’s. My Mother raised my brother Rob (deceased 31/8/2014) and I, and was totally devoted to giving us the best life she possibly could.
Growing up, my brother and I were showered with love, kindness and praise. And although, we were not well off growing up in the 1980’s, I had two Cabbage patch kids, others had only one. Not to mention an Atari 2600 with all the best games, not just the free game Asteroids, that came with the console. I often wonder what my Mum did without, just to ensure I had both a Girl doll and Boy doll. I remember as a child, teen and even to this day my friends frequently commenting “I wish I had a Mum like yours”.
Later in life the tables slowly began to turn, I had very big shoes to fill. In what felt like the blink of an eye, I slowly became A Gardener, A Lawn Mower Lady, A Handy “Man”, I.T Support, The Motivator, The “Come on Mum, you can’t sit for long periods, let’s walk around the block”, the Food Safety Inspector “Mum you can’t leave a frozen carrot cake and a frozen pork on the sink to defrost together!” And of course my parents Occupational Health and Safety Officer “Why is the gas flame on the stove on? Ohhh Dad cooked eggs and bacon this morning! But Mum that was 9 hours ago!” I feel truly blessed to still have my parents with me and to have this opportunity to give back, although it will never equate to what I have received throughout my life.
You recently joined Homage. Can you share how your personal experience as a caregiver helps you accomplish your goals in your new job?
I recently joined Homage in the Partnerships Team. I am hearing the echoes of my past struggles and devoted to doing my best to ensure we look after my parents’ generation, they have earned it.
We understand being a carer can have its ups and downs. What advice do you have for fellow carers?
Reach out to friends, work colleagues, anyone who is in the same or similar situation to ensure you also put support in place for yourself. Be patient. Remember who taught you how to tie your shoes. Our older generation are strong and resilient and if your parents are anything like my parents they will say “We’re fine!”, “We don’t need help, really love, stop worrying about us!” But ignore it! They need you, they need help, it’s our turn.
Anyone who is a Care Professional, Personal Carer, Nurse – you are making a huge difference in so many ways, not just to the client you tend to but also to the daughter, the son, the grand child, the niece, the nephew etc. I thank you all for helping me, help my loved ones.
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