The Heart of Caregiving: Susan Harris’ Story
Caregiving is a journey filled with moments of connection, compassion, and profound impact. For Susan Harris, her path to becoming a caregiver began with caring for her own parents. That experience shaped her understanding of the importance of home care, and ultimately led her to Touching Hearts at Home. Now, she shares her story of how caregiving has given her a new purpose and a deep appreciation for the seniors she serves.
Finding Fulfillment in Everyday Moments
For Susan, caregiving isn’t just about assisting with daily tasks—it’s about forming genuine relationships. She treasures every hug from her clients, knowing that while memory issues may cause them to forget she’s coming back the next day, they always greet her with joy and gratitude. The surprise and happiness on their faces make every visit worthwhile, reinforcing the meaningful role she plays in their lives.
The Importance of Respect and Understanding
One of the biggest lessons Susan has learned in her caregiving journey is the importance of treating seniors with the respect they deserve. She firmly believes that caregivers should never speak to seniors as if they were children.
“They are intelligent adults who have lived long, meaningful lives,” Susan explains. “They should always be treated with a profound respect for who they are and how they got there.”
This mindset allows Susan to form deep, trusting relationships with her clients. She sees them as individuals with rich histories, each deserving of dignity, patience, and kindness.
Building Trust with Patience and Empathy
Trust is the foundation of caregiving. Susan believes that the best way to build meaningful connections is through patience and empathy. Taking the time to listen—truly listen—can make all the difference in the world. Whether a client is sharing a favorite memory or expressing a moment of frustration, being present and compassionate fosters a sense of security and understanding.
Turning Challenges into Meaningful Interactions
One of the more challenging aspects of caregiving is listening to the same stories day after day. But instead of seeing it as a frustration, Susan has found a way to turn it into something enjoyable.
“It can be fun to relive the story with them because you already know what’s going to happen!” she says with a smile.
By shifting her perspective, she’s able to bring joy into these repeated conversations, allowing her clients to feel heard and valued every single time.
Making a Difference—Even When It’s Hard to See
When asked if she’s had a moment where she truly felt she made a difference, Susan humbly replies, “I don’t think that’s something I can be the judge of.”
But the reality is, caregivers like Susan make an incredible difference every single day. The warmth, patience, and kindness they bring into their clients’ lives have lasting effects, even if they don’t always recognize it themselves.
Advice for Aspiring Caregivers
For those considering a career in home care, Susan offers this heartfelt advice:
“If you truly care about people, this can be the most fulfilling job of your life.”
Caregiving is not just about providing physical support—it’s about forming connections, making someone’s day a little brighter, and bringing comfort and companionship to those who need it most.
A New Perspective on Aging
Susan’s work as a caregiver has changed the way she views aging in more ways than she can count. She has witnessed firsthand the struggles, joys, and resilience of the seniors she cares for, giving her a deeper understanding of what it means to grow older with dignity and support.
The Importance of Home Care
If there’s one message Susan would like to share about home care, it’s this: seniors should stay in their homes as long as possible.
“Their home—whether it’s an apartment or a house—is the best place to cope with the challenges of growing older,” she explains. “It’s where they feel safe, comfortable, and surrounded by memories.”
Home care allows seniors to maintain their independence while receiving the support they need, and Susan is proud to be a part of that mission.
Are you looking for compassionate home care or a meaningful career?
Whether you need professional, heartfelt care for a loved one or are searching for a fulfilling career as a caregiver, Touching Hearts at Home Syracuse is here for you. Contact us today to learn how we can support your family—or how you can join our team and make a difference in someone’s life.
