Arise Cares Caregiver Spotlight: Kristine Bettermann
October 13, 2017
The Caregivers at Arise Cares enjoy making a difference in the lives of seniors, people with special needs, and families. Our caregivers get to experience a personal connection with their clients and see the meaningful changes they make in their lives.
We asked one of our caregivers – Kristine Bettermann – about her experience working at Arise Cares.
The Basics
How long have you been a Caregiver?
My first job as a Caregiver was through Arise and I’ve worked here for 1 year and 3 months.
How did you first come across Caregiving as a career?
Since I am minoring in Special Education, I am in a lot of classes with girls and guys who were already working as Caregivers for part-time jobs. I sat next to a girl who worked for Arise Cares and she got me really interested in applying.
What’s your favorite thing about being a Caregiver?
People who are not fully physically independent sometimes lose their ability to do their favorite pastime activities on their own. It is really special for me to help them do those special activities and experience the joy it brings them.
If you’re a college student, what do you plan on doing in the future for a career?
I am majoring in psychology and minoring in Special Education. I would love to become a marriage and family therapist as my career progresses.
Your “Why”
Why are you a caregiver?
I am a Caregiver simply because I love taking care of people. I know that I have a kind heart and would do anything to make someone’s day.
As a college student, how is your role as a Caregiver setting you up for your future?
Being a Caregiver has given me better people skills, as I interact directly with many different people through this line of work. It has also helped me with my homemaking skills like making beds, cooking, cleaning…etc.
What inspires or encourages you as a Caregiver?
The families of my clients encourage me to do the best job that I can when I am working for their loved one. Before I do something, I always think to myself, Is that how I would want someone to care for my grandparents? I like families to know that their loved one is in good hands when they are with me.
Your Advice
What words of wisdom do you have for other Caregivers?
Be personable, but also professional. In this line of work, you are working very intimately with your clients and their families. It is ok to get to know them and have them know you on a personal level, but it is also a job and boundaries have to be set right away.
What words of wisdom do you have for clients and their families?
Don’t be afraid to let your Caregivers know what is expected of them and correct them when they are doing something wrong. We get paid to do this job and I know it’s a bit awkward to ask someone to take out your garbage or do your laundry, but that’s why we are here.
What do you wish you would have known when you first became a Caregiver?
I did not realize how attached you get to your clients and their families. It is really hard to say goodbye to people who you have spent months or even a year with. Listening to their weekend plans, sitting with them at dinner and hearing about their day makes you feel at home.
If you’re looking for a meaningful career, consider a career as a Caregiver at Arise Cares. Besides a valuable career, you’ll find a flexible schedule, a competitive wage, and real-world experience to help reach your future goals.