Meet our Caregivers | Pat Byrne

A valued member of the Dovida Midlands team that covers Offaly, Longford and Westmeath, Pat recently told us about his journey to becoming a  Caregiver as well as the excitement, happiness and fulfilment he receives in his role.

How did you become a Caregiver?

In the early 2000s, I found myself going through a period of unemployment. A cousin of mine needed someone to spend a few hours a day with his mother who had Alzheimer’s Disease as both himself and his wife were working.  Up to that time the thought of being a Caregiver had never entered my head.

I would sit with her, and assist with meals and walking – none of which she could any longer do on her own. To my surprise, I found for the first time in my life I was doing a job that fulfilled me completely.  This inspired me to complete the QQI Level 5 in healthcare and become a qualified Caregiver.

After completing the level 5 course ten years ago, I applied to Dovida and that set me on the road to a career as a full-time Caregiver, which I am eternally grateful for. I am now 62 years of age and still working as a Caregiver.

“Can you imagine waking up every morning and being excited at the thoughts of going to work?”

What’s the best thing about being a Caregiver?

Can you imagine waking up every morning and being excited at the thoughts of going to work? Well, for the last ten years that’s how it’s been for me. Every day I meet people who invite me into their homes, hearts and their lives. People who need a little help; getting up, washing, dressing and having breakfast.  Assisting people to get ready for bed and make them feel safe and comfortable.  Sometimes it’s just sitting and listening to them, letting them reminisce on days long past. In some cases you may be the only person that they see that day, but It’s nice to know that you’ve made a difference in their lives.

I believe that the longer a person can live at home in a familiar environment, the happier they will be and I believe they will live longer lives.

The last ten years of my life have been my happiest, and looking back now I see more years behind me than in front, and inevitably in the next few years I’ll have to face the prospect of retirement and not getting up every day to do my job will feel like losing part of my heart.  They say that “it’s in giving that we receive”, and it’s my experience that as Caregivers, we receive as much and more than we give. Because of this I would encourage people to consider a career in care.

“As Caregivers we are part of a much larger team who are happy to advise and assist i.e. Care managers, other Caregivers and office staff. “

Would you recommend becoming a Caregiver?

Although it’s not for everyone, you may find it to be a fulfilling career. As in all aspects of life there will be challenging and difficult days, but as Caregivers we are part of a much larger team who are happy to advise and assist i.e. Care managers, other Caregivers and office staff. It feels like we’re all different branches on the same tree working towards a common goal and working together we get things done.