Victoria Vazquez's Story

Caregiving Journey: Victoria Vazquez’s Story

At Touching Hearts at Home of Rochester, caregiving is not just about assistance—it’s about building connections, bringing joy, and ensuring that seniors feel valued, respected, and cared for.

For Victoria Vazquez, caregiving is more than just a job—it’s a calling. With a background as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) and a natural gift for connecting with people of all ages, Victoria has dedicated the past eight months to making a difference in the lives of seniors.

Her story is filled with compassion, patience, and a deep appreciation for the wisdom and experiences of the elderly.

A Born Caregiver: From Nursing to Home Care

Victoria’s journey into caregiving started with her passion for people.

“I am a nurse by trade (LPN). I am a people person all the way—from newborn to 100 years old or older!”

While her medical background has given her the skills to provide exceptional care, it is her genuine love for human connection that makes her an outstanding caregiver.

She understands that seniors deserve more than just medical attention—they need companionship, conversation, and a sense of belonging.

Dancing Through Life: A Moment to Remember

Of all the meaningful moments Victoria has shared with her clients, one stands out as a perfect example of the power of home care.

*”If I had to choose just one, it would be the day I brought my client, Diane, to her lake house. She has an old-style jukebox with hundreds of 45s—hits from the ’40s, ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s. But her favorite is ‘Splish Splash.’

We played that song and danced the whole record. She loved it—laughing, smiling, completely in the moment. I believe she is happiest when she can listen and dance to that jukebox. I’ll never forget our time together, and I was honored to be a part of making her feel that way.”*

This moment captures what home care is truly about—not just providing assistance, but helping seniors feel alive, joyful, and connected to their past and passions.

Lessons in Strength: What Caregiving Has Taught Victoria

Over the years, Victoria has learned that life is unpredictable.

*”One lesson I’ve learned is that we can’t always control what happens, like dementia. I’ve learned to have more patience with others—even outside of work.

For the families, watching them struggle yet try to stay strong has taught me that real strength comes from deep within us. It doesn’t matter how much money you have or where you live—everyone faces challenges when it comes to caring for a loved one.”*

This perspective has made her more compassionate, more patient, and more understanding, both in and outside of caregiving.

Building Trust Through Listening

The foundation of any great caregiver-client relationship is trust, and for Victoria, trust is built through listening.

“You build trust by listening—truly listening. Listening to their stories, their worries, where they’ve been, what they’ve lived through… JUST LISTENING.”

Seniors have lived decades of experiences, and many just want someone to hear them, acknowledge them, and understand them. Taking the time to listen and engage can make all the difference in how a client feels about their caregiver.

The Emotional Challenge of Caregiving

Caregiving is deeply rewarding, but it’s not without its challenges—especially when it comes to emotional attachment.

“I, myself, struggle with getting too close to my clients. I wish I could make things better or easier for them.”

This emotional connection is what makes home care so special. Unlike in fast-paced healthcare environments, home caregivers spend one-on-one time with clients, forming genuine relationships.

But with that connection comes the reality that clients may decline in health or pass away, making it one of the most emotionally challenging aspects of the job.

Still, Victoria wouldn’t change a thing. To her, the emotional bonds she builds with her clients are what make her work so meaningful.

A Life-Changing Moment: Becoming a Nurse for Her Daughter

While Victoria has changed many lives, one moment stands out as the most impactful—not just for her clients, but for her own daughter.

*”I changed my daughter, Tristina’s, life when I became a nurse. She was seven years old and was there with me every step of the way—through the good, the bad, and the ugly.

When I received my nursing license, over the moon doesn’t even describe how we felt.”*

This personal achievement not only changed her own life but also set an example for her daughter about perseverance, compassion, and the power of caring for others.

Advice for Future Caregivers: It’s More Than a Job

Victoria doesn’t sugarcoat the mental and emotional challenges of caregiving.

*”This job is not easy—especially mentally. It’s not just sitting around earning a paycheck.

You have to engage with individuals who may not know how to engage anymore. You have to have incredible compassion and understanding of what’s happening to the client you care for.”*

For those who feel called to caregiving, she offers this advice:

✔ Be prepared for the emotional side of the job
✔ Have patience and empathy
✔ Know that your presence can change someone’s life

Aging with Dignity: What Home Care Has Taught Victoria

Working with seniors has given Victoria a greater appreciation for the aging process.

“I’ve always loved the elderly—they have so much knowledge. If people would just give them a chance and listen.”

Seniors are often overlooked, but they are full of wisdom, experiences, and stories that deserve to be heard.

Victoria now sees aging differently—as a stage of life where people still have much to offer if only others take the time to listen.

Why Home Care Matters: A Message from Victoria

If Victoria could sum up the importance of home care in one sentence, it would be this:

“YOU HAVE TO BE COMPASSIONATE.”

Home care is not just about assisting with daily tasks—it’s about understanding, patience, and creating a sense of comfort in the lives of those who need it most.

Seniors deserve to age with dignity, in a familiar and loving environment, and caregivers play a crucial role in making that possible.

Looking for Compassionate Home Care? We’re Here for You

At Touching Hearts at Home of Rochester, we are proud to have caregivers like Victoria who bring patience, joy, and a deep respect for seniors into their work. If you or a loved one could benefit from home care services, our team is here to help.