Since last year, I have had my eyes and ears open to find a caregiver for a relative of mine. She was facing a lot of health challenges, and I thought she could use the assistance of someone coming in every day and helping with some of her medical care. I had a few prospects, but quickly it was evident they would not be able to do the tasks required.
Then, suddenly, I met a woman. She was very kind, caring, and compassionate. I thought to myself, “This is one of the nicest people I have ever met.” I immediately thought about my relative, and I thought the two of them would probably get along very nicely. I pondered for a long time if I should ask the woman if she wanted to help provide some caregiving services to my relative.
After more time passed, the woman asked me if I knew of anyone hiring. She needed a job. She specifically wanted something in the caregiving field. I could not believe my ears. This would be such a perfect solution for my relative. Before I offered the woman the job, I prayed to God about the situation. Usually, when I pray, I do to get any strong feelings. However, this time, I immediately got what felt like a kick in the stomach. I also heard a loud, booming, “NO!”
I thought this was very odd. Why would God not want this nice woman to provide care to my relative. I decided I must have imagined everything. I opened my Bible and began reading where I had left off the previous day. The very next words of the Bible made it ABUNDANTLY clear that I should not hire the woman. But, again, I was perplexed. After much deliberation, I decided to ask the woman if she would be interested in becoming a caregiver for my relative.
When I hire people, I stipulate they MUST sign a contract. This is for everyone’s protection. The contract lays out the caregiver’s duties and expectations. It also discusses time off, vacation time, sick time, etc. I find having a contract helps guide the caregiver in providing the services needed.
When I brought up to the woman the prospect of being a caregiver for my relative, she was very excited. When I said if she would like the job, she needed to reads through a contract which outlines everything she will be required to do as well as policies for time off, holidays, sick days, etc. and sign it. Suddenly, the woman became very stand-offish. She said she was not willing to commit to anything. I was a little confused how she responded, but I gave her the benefit of the doubt. She was not ready for a commitment.
I continued to periodically correspond with the woman. I observed her demeanor started to change. She went from being very upbeat and positive to being very negative. She began telling me things which happened in her life. She always seemed to be the innocent one, and people frequently took advantage of her kindness. In a short time, everything became doom and gloom. I again gave her the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps she was going through some tough times. I wanted to show kindness to this woman to help her through her difficulties.
