All Sue Ryder carers are part of a multi-disciplinary team. Day in, day out, they strive to make old age a dignified and happy experience for all clients. What they do, the quality of what they do, and the heart they put into everything - that's what makes them special.
He has been caring since 2001
"It's been 23 years and I still look forward to my work," says Jakub, a caregiver. "I look forward to seeing our clients. I take care of their basic living needs, but I also take care of their joy. Everyone's joy is different. For example, I played chess with one client in my spare time. Then there are the things that reliably make the clients and us carers happy - the sun on the terrace or visits from therapy animals," says Jakub. "My greatest joy is when I see a client and they are happy. His smile - that's the most important thing for me. Even the seemingly small things can conjure it up. Someone likes Becherovka, for example, so I give it to them. Someone wants coffee, so I bring it to them and they glow with happiness."
In his early days, he experienced a time when civilians - young men who had spent their spare military service as caregivers - worked in Michel's yard. "It had its advantages and disadvantages. More men to do the physically demanding work, but at the same time it made it less motivating and therefore less reliable that the required number of caregivers would be on duty on any given day," Kuba recalls.
In the Czech Republic, approximately 86% of women and 14% of men work in social services and care
A male caregiver in a team is a great asset. Since February this year, Jindřich Kaut has also been an important addition. He has had a long and challenging career that may surprise you. "My past professional experience was service in a suit or uniform with a weapon, mostly in the state sector. This field was built on rules, procedures and strict adherence to them. I have been the one to execute, create, and ensure those rules and policies are followed. It involved a lot of administrative tasks, internal systems, drafting various documents, etc." Then Jindra experienced burnout syndrome and did a major 180. Following his sister's example, he became a caregiver. He found his way around and settled into his new profession very quickly.
"There are three basic things a good caregiver should have. Mental maturity, where it doesn't matter if you are 20 or 40 years old. The ability to empathise, which you can't do without, and the art of teamwork," says Henry. "I firmly believe that caregivers are the backbone of every nursing home. It wouldn't be possible without us. We all care about making our clients feel comfortable and happy here. Personally, I'm happiest when a client is happy," says Jindra.
Medication for difficult times? Dulcimer or dinotherapy
"The last time it was Mr. Josh, the dulcimer player came to Sue Ryder. He was no longer physically well. More often than not he was resting in his bed, brooding and cheerless. I knew he liked music and loved folk songs where he could sing. So I persuaded him to listen to music outside. At the end of the performance, you could see in his face how happy it made him. Such moments then balance the difficult moments that inevitably accompany our work. It could be a client leaving or a situation where there are no carers on shift. This is physically and mentally demanding," says Jindra.
Jindra vents the accumulated stress with humour. "I make jokes at home, but also when I work at Sue Ryder. I might come into a room, talk to a client, and then I start changing my voice, imitating someone... Or I've tried 'dino therapy' - therapy with a Dino puppet. I put it on my hand and come to the client who is too serious and we try to entertain and cheer him up. I know exactly which clients I'm going to cheer up like that."
We take care of our clients as if they were loved ones
Jindra also has recommendations for those who care at home. "Take care of your loved ones with the same love that they took care of you. You don't know how long they will be with you. We in direct care try to care for our clients as if they were our own loved ones because in a way they are close to us. We see each other every day, we share their lives together, but also our lives, past and present."
Dozens of caregivers have passed through the Sue Ryder Home for the Aged since 1998. Their work is extremely demanding - physically and mentally. Thank you for your professionalism, energy and heart that you give to Sue Ryder clients every day.