Vashon’s Wonderful, Professional Caregivers

"As caregivers on Vashon, we’re neighbors and friends, an automatic community." Chris Jovanovich smiled as she looked at the dozen independent caregivers who gathered together on a sunny Saturday morning.

Most of those pictured, above, have been taking care of Islanders, in their own homes for decades. Their clients have ranged from providing companionship, to after-surgery or chronic disabilities, dementia, diabetes, stroke, or Alzheimer’s. There is a growing list of people of all ages who need help; some a few hours a week, some, 24-hour care. The majority, of course, are those who have adult children who either live far off-island or who work full time. They want their parents or partners to have good nutrition and a safe environment in their familiar homes, where they are able to stay as long as is feasible, as long as they desire.

"Caregiving is very rewarding work. Providing a person with help, no matter what their age or disability, is a wonderful thing to be able to do." Bonny Kelly adds.

There are more than two-dozen caregivers listed on the web page created by Angie Meiers, Vashon Care Resources. Most of these know each other from having worked together on a team, usually hired by the person’s family. They know and can count on each other’s strength and experience, whether it’s for occasional doctor’s visits or figuring out the best ways to reach out and deal with special needs.

"I love hearing people’s stories about when they were growing up! It feels good, to be making a difference to someone!" Nannette

Cotton Pawlowski says.

There are a variety, too, of things that individual caregivers specialize in, such as—nutrition and cooking; art—helping some to express themselves in watercolors; trained nursing; financial management—bill paying, etc., or managing and keeping track of all the details of a client’s care. Each caregiver is different; the right one can match the client’s personality and needs.

"Somebody asked me why I wanted to do this—and I said, when my parents get older, I want someone nice and loving and honest and competent in their home—caring for them," said Susan Laughlin.

If you wonder how to contact an Island caregiver, you can log onto the Vashon Care Resources web page and call any one of those listed and ask about availability, their rate per hour or overnight, telephone and email address—or by word of mouth, of course.

Zack Krieger said, "During my first couple of years as a caregiver on Vashon, I realized that one of the best things about caregiving was how quickly and easily friendships seemed to form with fellow caregivers. I asked myself why. I think it’s because the qualities that motivate people to become caregivers (empathy and the desire to help others are two of the more important ones), are the same qualities that underlie good friendships."

"The Vashon Home Care Network" - (Independent Home Care Providers, compassionately caring for Island families) - is NOT a home care agency as we all work independently. Visit our website, "Vashon Care Resources" at www. vashoncareresources.org, it has more resources for Island families. There is a phone referral line that Islanders can call who are looking for help with caregiving in the home 206-604-3253 as well as email communication: vashonhomecare@gmail.com.

Our "Network" has a free "lending closet" where folks who may need some medical supplies such as hospital bed pads, commodes, depends etc to borrow can also contact us through the referral phone/e-mail & we can try to meet their need if we have the item they are looking for.