Craig Goldberg: Caregiver
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A CAREGIVER?
I started working as a caregiver in 2018, soon after my Grandmother passed away. It was her wish to continue to live in her own home, so my family and I took care of her as best as we could. It was frustrating for me at the time because I didn't have the skill set to take care of her the way that I would have liked to. Fortunately, we were able to hire a great caregiver, Alfredo. He inspired me, and gave me valuable experience. I was also looking for a job at the time so he referred me to the agency he was working for. I've been a caregiver ever since!
WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR JOB ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
My favorite part of the job is providing companionship, enjoying laughs with my client and sharing time together. I feel like my clients not only see me as a caregiver but as a friend as well. I'm also passionate about utilizing my care giving and nursing skills in complex situations. This helps make my client's everyday life easier, ensuring their safety and keeping them comfortable.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER CAREGIVERS?
My advice to other caregivers is not to be too hard on their self. No matter how dedicated we try to do our job to perfection, sometimes things are out of our control. Unfortunate situations sometimes occur. It can be challenging to always satisfy your client 100% of the time and go incident free. We can only offer our best. Hold yourself to a high standard but don't be too hard on yourself, either.
TELL US ONE OF YOUR FAVORITE CAREGIVING STORIES
It's hard to say what my favorite moment as a caregiver has been. There's been so many it's hard to choose. I would say watching Drag Race for the first time with my client Petyr was interesting and memorable! 😆HOW DO YOU RE-ENERGIZE?
How do I re-energize? It can get very tiring working 11 hour shifts. So, I drink a TON of coffee to keep myself alert. I do try and stay active, eat healthy and exercise as much as possible, too.
Client (Petyr): “Craig, is a great guy, always attentive and makes sure that I am always well taken care of. He enjoys watching movies with me from time to time and also shares tips about the stock market. 🤣
I feel very lucky to be taken care of by someone with such a great sense of humor!"
Office: “Craig is extremely affable, and funny with a heart of gold. He treats his Client like family. He is professional and dependable.”