CAREGIVER MOM
GROWING UP WITH A
kept an eccentric stockpile of fun colors, superheroes, and anything else you could print on a Band-Aid at any given time in the hall closet. I was also equipped with a toy stethoscope and my own personal doctor’s bag with a reflex hammer and all.
I was my mom’s shadow, and it is because of her, that I first experienced the long-term care industry. My first “role” in senior living was as a child, volunteering in programming with my mom’s residents at the skilled nursing community where she was an LPN. I distinctly remember my mom preparing me for the “job” before we went inside.
She gave me three specific directives:
By Allison Bonner Director of Social Impact & Senior Living Partnerships, BioVie Inc.
W
hen I was growing up, I proudly told everyone who would listen to me that I
wanted to be a nurse, just like my mom. She was a fixer of all things and the exact type of caring person that I aspired to be. There was no ailment or injury that my brother and I could come up with, that she couldn’t handle. It would come as no surprise to anyone who knew me, that I would want to follow in her footsteps.
As a kid, I knew I wanted to help people and there was no question in my mind that becoming a nurse was the best way to do that. The decision was crystal clear. Looking back, it makes sense because I was the type of kid that got excited to pick out a Band- Aid for even the tiniest of injuries. We always
1. It was my job to make the residents smile.
2. Some residents may be confused. They may even think I am their granddaughter, but it’s okay to just smile and pretend.
3. Be the best part of their day by treating everyone with kindness and respect.
Visiting with her residents at that community, I had the time of my life. Everyone was always happy to see me, I got to play the entire day and I truly felt accomplished when we headed home each afternoon. Through the eyes of a child, I saw things differently. I saw the workers in colorful and festive scrubs with my favorite cartoon characters on them. I got to choose
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