When I started working as a carer, I had no idea where it would lead. I had made a career change from working in education, management, and consultancy. Some would say I took a downward step, for me it was an advance, though in the beginning, I had no idea what was before me. It simply was an opportunity for practical hands on work and to be in relationship with people 24/7.
After I started, I was matched with a lovely lady with Parkinson’s Disease and other ill-health conditions. The outgoing carer described the client as ‘difficult’ and had little good to say about her. I listened, decided to disregard everything I was told about her and find out for myself who this woman was. I discovered what was written in the care plan didn’t fully reflect the range of conditions this client had. I learned quickly.
The first few months were difficult, not because of the client but because I was adjusting to a new place, routine, client, house (we lived in a large old house), with extensive gardens in a rural setting. This was an active client and despite her condition was on overdrive most of the time. The demands of the job began to play on my body, or so I thought. At times, I felt overwhelmed, other times fatigued. When I had my two hours break each day, I often slept. There seemed so much to do in addition to meeting and relating to social care agencies, health care workers, her friends and family.
Deep within myself I knew there had to be another way and I made a commitment to find it. My morning routine at this time was to wake up at 6am, bathe, dress, go to the kitchen, prepare medication, and wake the client at 7am. Bedtime for the client was 10.30pm and I followed straight after her. This routine always seemed rushed, and I questioned where I was in it?
For safety reasons, the client could not be left unsupervised and in the house alone. I had been used to taking daily walks or swims, to no longer have this and not be out in the open, I found de-energising. I was also on call throughout the night. The daily pattern was active, long days with an interrupted nights sleep.
Inspired by a friend, I began setting my alarm at 4am instead of 6am and made full use of the space until 7am. These hours were precious. I woke up and took care of my body, if I couldn’t go for a walk or a swim during the day, I would register for on-line esoteric yoga and exercise classes. I studied in these hours too and met other work commitments and I was still going to bed around 10.30pm.
Most of all, I paid attention to my rhythm: how I woke up, got out of bed, made my bed all with gentle loving tender care. How I showered, bathed, moisturised my body and got dressed without any rush. By 7am I was ready, dressed for my client and the day.
The preciousness of these hours, refined over the years coupled with eating with discernment, cannot be under-estimated. My energy levels soared, and more besides, I connected to a deep steadiness within that was unshakeable. This meant I could be of service to the client with full commitment and without flagging in the day. It was a remarkable transformation. This settlement in my body meant I could respond to her changing needs without panic or anxiety. There was no tension in my body when I worked, only a willingness and openness to learn from what the day presented.
At the heart of my routine was my rhythm: the quality of care I gave myself, this in equal measure was available to the client. At the end of two, three, four or five week shifts, I am not exhausted. I’m not waiting for the shifts to end, the quality of care given throughout a shift is consistent.
The foundations of this rhythm stay with me where-ever I am. After a shift and back at home, the rhythm continues; there is no before and after. My body continues to prepare and be steady so that when I return on shift, I’m not gearing up to begin again, I’m already there.