A good fit

When getting new assignments, the risk is always whether or not it's a good fit.  Yesterday was a test run on whether I wanted this as my Tuesday.  All I can say is No. It's not a good fit.  I don't like being a go between.  I don't like to have to confront and tell a client one thing because a members says it's the last word when the client tells me...welp, you're good to go.  In other words, I don't like to force myself on anyone.  Today, on the other hand, was incredible.  My new client is amazing.  We hit it right off.  She was clear about the care I needed to give her.  And I like that.  And as I continue to be her caregiver I can figure out the ins and outs of it.  For example, I learned not to assume a client has a microwave.  So, for lunch I was going to wait until after work to eat.  I had something at home.  Now, I can do microwaveables, given that I know they have one.  A good fit is important.  You can't force the assignment.  After all, depending on the needs, I can help with gentle help as a client has most of their independence to having to do more of the caregiver side.  I am a companion.  I am a caregiver.  Sometimes I am just companion.  I call it being a Professional friend.   I liken it to being paid to hang out with a friend.  My friend just happens to be the elderly kind.  And then, there are other times I am helping them as a caregiver.  Spouses may not be able to help.  Adult children work.  And that's where I come in.  It's not glamorous but I help them keep their dignity.  I help them not to feel so disheartened because they can't help themselves like they used to.  I don't know how many conversations I've had where they speak of the anguish they feel to ask for help.  They wrestle with having to ask for help.  But know they're at a point to need it.  I got the Unicorn frappuccino today.  It looks like a diabetes attack waiting to happen.  Surprisingly it is more tropical.  Course, someone was telling me if I had stirred it I would've gotten a more sour taste.  Problem was I was texting a friend about something and I was distracted by the conversation.  It was another feeling like I'm in the middle.  In the end, I told them something was off without telling them. Oh wait.  Work is calling. Ah...healthy boundaries.  I am slowly learning to say no.  Do you know how hard that is for me sometimes?  I start feeling guilty.  And I told them no, twice. lol Damn, Jess.  A good fit is very important.  It was a conversation I had with a new friend I met today.  We were both caregivers for different agencies and accompanying our clients to doctor visits and therapy appointments.  A good fit is exactly what we talked about.  In life, in general.  Through the Dark from Helen Jane Long is on. Here is a picture of that Unicorn frappuccino.