Caring for your elders at home is an honor for the family
By Michelle Ledesma
Cinda was raised by a single mother in Laos at the end of the Vietnam War. When the war officially ended for America, many Hmong people were still fighting for their lives. Families lost loved ones; many parents became single parents overnight. Having to be a single mom is a challenge for anyone at any time, but during war time is unimaginable. However, with her mother’s love and fighting spirit, she was able to protect and shelter her children in the worst of times. Her mom became a constant example of hard work and integrity, and because of this, Cinda learned that through hard work, she can accomplish anything
At age 11 Cinda immigrated to America as a refugee. She did not speak any English. She realized that education was the only way for her to improve her life and the life of her mother. She chose to pursue a career as a nurse, so that she can provide better health services to the most vulnerable population in our community.
In 2016, Ms Vang accomplished her dream of opening her own home health care agency, Compassion Caregivers LLC, in Madison.
In Ms Vang’s culture, like many cultures, caring for your elders at home is an honor for the family. Compassion Caregivers LLC can provide care or assistance to elderly people or people with disability; they can receive this care in the comfort and familiarity of their own home. If the person receiving care has an eligible friend or trusted family member, that person can become a paid caretaker. Compassion Caregivers LLC, can hire and train them to do so.
Ileana is a client of Compassion Caregivers LLC. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2018, she would be required to have multiple surgeries and treatments. These surgeries and treatments will not only limit Ileana’s independence, but her health will require frequent monitoring. Ileana lives alone and has limited support from family because most of her family still lives in Cuba. Ileana was scared and did not know what to do. Ileana is just one example of the tough situation some elderly or people with disabilities face. A person’s health can change overnight, it can be scary and overwhelming.
A team of health care providers and social workers at SSM Health referred Ileana to Compassion Caregivers LLC. Ileana says, “I was so happy to know they will help me. They arrived when I most needed them.”
Through Compassion Caregivers LLC, Ileana met Nancy, one of her current caregivers. Although they have known each other only for 6 months, Nancy says, “We have a kindred relationship, because I’m also bilingual so we understand each other, and share the same culture, heritage and beliefs.”
Nancy is continuing her education to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), she found out about Compassion Caregivers LLC through one of her friends, who is a client of Compassion Caregivers LLC.
Nancy is a mom and a student with a busy schedule. She needed a job with flexible hours but also wanted experience in her field. She was hired and trained by Compassion Caregivers LLC and paired with Ileana. Nancy says, “I’ve always wanted to be a caregiver. So, I saw this opportunity – as well as me being in school because it’s so flexible.”
Ms. Vang understands the importance of the client-caregiver relationship saying, “We place our values in our clients and staff. They are the essence of this organization.”
With COVID-19, Compassion Caregivers LLC, is taking extra precaution and implementing safer ways to care for our clients. Our staff and clients are provided PPE and encouraged to limit attendance of social events as possible.
Today Ms. Vang not only take care of her mother, but she also plays a role in caring for many clients like Ileana in the community, with one mission, “Promote Independence with Dignity”
Compassion Caregivers LLC, services include but is not limited to: bathing, dressing, hygiene/grooming, toileting/incontinence care, ambulation/transfers, meal preparation, feeding assistance, light housekeeping, and grocery shopping/medication pick up.
Are you or your loved one facing medical difficulties that limits your ability to perform your own activities of daily living? Are fears of falling or injuries a constant worry? Do you know that with proper training your family member can be hired and be paid to take care of you?For more information on if Compassion Caregivers LLC, is the right fit for you, visit http://compassioncaregiversllc.com