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It's Not Every Day...Finding Joy & Fulfillment while Helping Seniors
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You can never underestimate the simple smile or conversation you may have with a senior who is in need of that simple smile or conversation. Meet Jackie, she is a senior herself and in her retirement decided to start working part time as a Home Care provider with Seniors Helping Seniors of Brevard and she shares how this life changing decision has impacted her life in a powerful and positive way.
Just to get started, Jackie talks about how it's not every day you hear about how music can stimulate cherished memories, leading to deep conversations, or the thrill of thrift shopping with the elderly. Jackie shares her first-hand experiences, emphasizing the significance of rapport and the strength of relationships formed when you're consistent in your caregiving role. Also, get ready for some insightful discussions about popular TV shows like the Golden Bachelor and their appeal to the elderly population.
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Senior LivingGuide.com Podcast discusses topics which are relevant to the everyday lives of seniors and their caregivers. We are joined by experts who share their knowledge on a variety of issues. Senior LivingGuide.com Podcast offers solutions and resources to create the best quality of life as we age. And now, let's welcome your host, Darlene Mahoney.
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SPEAKER_05Thank you for joining us today on this episode. We are here with Jackie Modlinski. She is a caregiver with Seniors Helping Seniors of Brevard, and she herself is a senior. Jackie is joining us today to share her experience in making this decision to transition into helping seniors as a completely new career change in a brand new town after she's actually retired. Um, and how it's benefited her life in a positive way. And then also talk about how it's benefited her client's life in a positive way. Because this is somewhat of a unique home care solution. Um, welcome to the podcast, Jackie. Thank you. It's nice to see you. Yeah, absolutely. It's nice to have you on here. You and I, we chatted a little bit. You moved to Florida, which is where you're located, hence um Seniors Helping Seniors of Brevard, which is a Florida county. You moved here from Wisconsin. I have to say it with the accent because it just makes it more fun.
SPEAKER_04Yes, I'm told I have a unique Wisconsin accent, but I think they're all teasing me.
SPEAKER_05Oh my gosh. I love Wisconsin. It's a great place to visit. The people there are so incredibly friendly, and that was one of the things that I really enjoyed about uh visiting. We went to Milwaukee.
SPEAKER_04So that is where I'm from and lived there all my life, and after 62 years of cold and snow and everything, decided to make the plunge and move down here to be with family in Melbourne and transitioned and have been here since August of 2020. Yeah.
SPEAKER_05Well, we got a lot of people here in 2020. So yeah, for sure. So, well, welcome. I'm so excited that you decided to do this podcast. I think it's really important to talk with people that are in the industry, but also talk with seniors that are within the industry and it's a new career, and kind of figure out why they're doing it and then also how it affects the people that they're working with when they're working with seniors. I think it's a different kind of connection than what we are typically used to. Uh, you had a professional job and career, and you retired from all of that in Milwaukee, and then once you moved here, you weren't working and you were looking for something to do. And how did how did you come about making this decision?
SPEAKER_04A neighbor of mine also works for Seniors Helping Seniors, and we were talking, and I was telling her how I would like to find something part-time to help earn a little bit of extra income. And she told me about her experience working here at Seniors Helping Seniors and how rewarding it was for her, and what a great place it was to work. So she gave me the information. I called and applied, went through the process, and within a couple weeks I had a client. I couldn't agree more with my neighbor that it is a rewarding experience and it's a unique concept because you don't necessarily have to have gone to school to be able to work here. It's just a great idea that whoever came up with it had.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, so let me ask you this. Have you always had a heart and an interest with working with people, especially seniors, or just in general?
SPEAKER_04Well, my previous career was customer service and health care, and I dealt with helping people over the phone or if they would walk into the office, I would help them that way. And there would be seniors who would come in with questions about their health insurance payment versus the Medicare payment, and trying to help them understood how and why it was paid that way was rewarding to me. And that's why I thought the position here at Seniors Helping Seniors would be a good choice and a good venue for me to apply for.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, it sounds like you're a natural fit for the job position. And what a great idea to do in retirement, to do something that you love to do versus something that you begrudgingly get up every day and, you know, put your shoes and your socks on or your heels as ladies, you know. Sometimes we have to do that. And especially in Wisconsin, you know, we talked a little about the weather's uh a little bit different where you're you're dredging out in the snow at maybe 7 a.m. in the morning and then coming home in it in the evening. So it gives you a little bit more flexibility in your schedule and kind of picking and choosing what times that you're working, but you're also creating more relationships with your clients. Coming here is like a new person and um not probably having a lot of friendships. It sounds like you had some family, but it's harder as you get older to build brand new friendships because uh it's just hard. I mean, I'm I can relate to that. I'm not quite a senior, but I do know that when I moved here in the area that I am, you know, seven years ago and I was a military spouse. Every time you move, the older I got, the harder it got to make new friends and make really good connections with people. So tell me some of your experiences with some of the seniors, um, which are your clients that you are helping. What kind of things can you share that have been positive for you?
SPEAKER_04Well, I think the most positive thing is just hearing the different experiences from the people. Everybody has their own story, and it's just enlightening to hear their backgrounds and what how life was for them when they were younger, and how it is now with their grandkids or children. Now maybe their children are the caregivers more than they are to their children, and it's just been a rewarding experience to be able to learn and get to know the people that I've been with since I've started.
SPEAKER_05They get to share their their life experience stories, and we all have stories to tell. We all have life experiences, and I think sometimes as you age, retelling these stories or talking about those stories with your family when they're going 50 million miles an hour and they've got soccer games and they've got this and that, your stories get lost, and you don't get a chance to share them, or you're not with other people that can relate to the things that you used to enjoy that aren't necessarily things that are popular now, or movies that you enjoyed, or plays, or even, you know, stuff related to history. To me, you know, history is so important, and if you didn't live it and experience it, it's hard to regale on some of those things. I think that being able to do that is is a really rewarding experience for them.
SPEAKER_04Right, right. And sometimes they'll help someone try to start cleaning out a closet or cleaning out drawers, and they'll find items or articles or a piece of clothing even and have memories about where they wore that certain dress and what the event was and the parties they used to maybe go to, or the took a cruise and wore the dress on the cruise and saw a show or something, or they'll find something in a drawer and they go, Oh my gosh, I've been looking for that for ages. I have a client who uh lost a key to something, and I was taught a couple years ago a prayer for lost items to Saint Anthony. So when we got back to her place, we went upstairs and we said the prayer and did the whole little routine. She still hasn't found the key, but we do periodically pray again that she does find the key. Yeah. Keys keys can be a tough one for sure. Yeah, especially when there's so many other items to look through.
SPEAKER_05Exactly. It's probably stuck in a chair somewhere in a little crack that one day someone will be reupholstering it and that's when it'll get found. So Or maybe the dog hit it. I don't know. Yes, we'll blame it on the dog. Right. So yeah, I I agree. I I love to hear that. I love to hear that they're able to enjoy your company as well as you're enjoying their company and listening to the stories. And I'm sure when you're listening to music and things like that, it's something that is enjoyable for you both as well. Music is a game changer for people when it comes to enjoying memories and having deep conversations.
SPEAKER_04Well, and I think they just like the fact that there's somebody there to listen to them. I was given a compliment recently that said, you know, you really are a good listener, and it's so nice to talk to somebody that you think is listening to you talk. I think, like you said earlier, so much of that gets caught up in the busyness of everybody's daily routine that not a lot of people are able to take the time to just listen and respond.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. And as a caregiver, just to notate as we're on the podcast, as a caregiver, what your job is, personal care. So why don't you explain what your job actually is? Because we didn't even talk about that.
SPEAKER_04Well, it depends on the client. You know, some clients I will go in and maybe change the bedding, do a couple loads of wash, maybe vacuum or pick up things. Other clients I might go in and, you know, make a meal. It's so various. Other people like to go out shopping or go to different stores, home goods or publics, or, you know, even thrift stores. I've learned so many things by being with these people and going to the different places that they like to frequent, and it's just really been a helpful experience for me being a newcomer in the area to learn where certain places are and certain things to do and what's available to do. And otherwise, I'd probably just be sitting in my apartment all the time with my dog. So that's another rewarding part of it. I've been able to learn the parts and nooks and crannies of Melbourne while doing my job, and that's been a great experience as well.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, so you mentioned the thrift shopping. Yes. How fun is that? I bet some of your senior clients love the thrift shopping. There's some awesome ones here.
SPEAKER_04There really are. And where I'm from, there probably were maybe one or two thrift stores in the area. But down here, there's so many and they're all for such good causes. You know, whether it's animals or whether it's helping children who live in homes, you know, that type of thing. And you can really get quite a bargain.
SPEAKER_05So are you spending more money than you're making when you're out shopping with some of your clients? Well, that's for me to know and you to find out. Because that would probably be my problem. Um, I used to work in retail, and I remember thinking, oh, I'm spending more money than I'm actually making at this job. So that didn't last very long. You gotta know the days the deals are. Yeah, yeah. So that's really great. I'm glad you're enjoying that. My mom had a caregiver through a different company and they weren't a senior. And one of the things that she liked about it was they would take her shopping, they would take her to go buy cards for the kids or whatever. But also the one she utilized, because it was like a post-cancer surgery, so she had some limitations on the things that she could physically do. And one of the things that she liked is that she had a consistent caregiver. So that same person was coming and she was building a rapport and a relationship with them, and that was something that was important to her with your clients, even more specifically, because it's almost like a friendship versus a working relationship.
SPEAKER_04Yes, it is. And sometimes you do take clients to a doctor appointment or something like that. And um, but I think like you just said, the consistency is what makes it unique as well, because you get to know the person and they get to know you. And like with any relationship, the longer you know somebody, the more of you get to know about them, and the closer you feel to maybe sharing different stories or experiences or things like that.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, and one thing you and I talked prior to the podcast is that some of your clients enjoy certain shows like The Golden Bachelor and some of those things. So yeah, so they're able to watch those shows and then have someone to talk to about them because you know, maybe their younger family members don't watch those shows. Or I will tell you, I have a daughter who's young 30, and she's watching the Golden Bachelor. So, you know, it could be for everyone.
SPEAKER_04Yes, well, he is a nice looking young man.
SPEAKER_05I have seen him, he is nice looking.
SPEAKER_04I don't know how you get on that show, but we'll do a podcast about that.
SPEAKER_05Okay, invite him to come. Maybe he'll stop by. That would be nice. I will invite you. So um, one of the positive aspects is that is something just as simple as everyday talking that you would normally have with someone else you're able to experience, they're able to experience as well. Do you find that the lines get a little bit iffy?
SPEAKER_04You mean as far as closeness with the client? Yeah. It is a fine line because how do I word this? I think loneliness is a very hard thing for a lot of the clients and the older people who are alone to have in their life. And I think they just enjoy the companionship so much that they wish it could be more than on a so many days per week basis or however the program has been set up for them. I think they want something more of a friendship sometimes, and be able to, you know, call you up and say, Oh, would you like to go here or can you take me to the store or something like that? So you do have to be careful where to draw that line. And I have learned you don't give out your phone number. So you know, as much as you want to and everything, you still have to remember it's a client-caregiver relationship.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. I would imagine that's that m probably is the hardest part of the job.
SPEAKER_04Yes, for me it is, because I like giving and it's hard for me to say no, which I think it is for a lot of people.
SPEAKER_05It sure is. It sure is. Well, you know what, Jackie, we need to take a quick break, and then when we come back, we're gonna talk about the positive effects that it's had overall in your life and in general, what happens when people give back or they see someone that needs that relationship or they need that conversation, what it does not just for the other person, but for you. And we'll be right back.
SPEAKER_02Hi, this is Andrew Brainerd, owner of Transmedcare Long Distance Medical Transportation. We are proud to help make this podcast possible. When a loved one under medical care needs to relocate, Transmedcare is here to help. We offer the very best in nationwide medical transport with fully appointed vehicles and a team of caring medical professionals. At TransmedCare, nothing is more important than bringing your loved one home safely. Visit our website at trans-medcare.com.
SPEAKER_05All right, and we are back with Jackie, who is a senior caregiver for seniors, with seniors helping seniors of Brevard. I don't know how many times I just said seniors, but it was quite a bit. So but we're back, and um, this has been such a great conversation, and I want to keep talking more about how it's affected your life in a positive way.
SPEAKER_04It has really affected me in a positive way because just to see how happy the people are when they are sharing a story or the twinkle in their eye, or just see their whole face light up when they're talking about either a past experience or looking forward to something that's gonna happen in the future. It's just really a good feeling to know that you're helping that person feel better, even if it's just for that day, or you just saw them smile, or you think of a joke or something funny to make them laugh. I mean, I think laughter spreads, and the more laughter there is, the more people laugh.
SPEAKER_05I love that. I loved everything that you just shared, and I think it's so interesting how you know we go into something thinking we're doing something for someone else, that we're stepping up to the plate and we're gonna make them have a better life, we're gonna do these different things, and then we actually get sometimes maybe even more out of it than maybe even what they got out of it. Because we find that when you give, you get.
SPEAKER_04Right, exactly. And I think some of that is lost in today's world, that it's sometimes more of a me, me, me society instead of a you gotta give in order to get something in return. That's just always been a life lesson or whatever you want to call it, that I've lived by. And that's why I enjoy giving. And you know, sometimes people don't respond, but I'd say ninety percent of the time you get a good response and people are willing to give if they receive.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, absolutely. I agree with that. And I think that if you haven't done the giving, you're not getting the endorphins back. I think that even when you're at the grocery store and you even help someone that maybe can't reach something and you do that little bit of goodness, I have a pep in my step because I see that I I've helped that person and it's I'm happy for them. Even when I go into senior communities and things like that, I love just to stop and chat and talk with the residents of those communities. It makes me literally, it will make my whole day. It's just a game changer for me. And I'm hoping that just my conversation and just talking with them, because I do want to hear what they have to say and just opening up the line of communication and sitting down with them or even talking about the day in general. I'm hoping they had a better day or they had a pep in their step after I left. Uh, and then I'm hoping that's a pay it forward. You know, someone has a good day and a good experience, and maybe they go in and they talk to another senior that's, you know, a resident there and they're passing on that same bit of joyfulness.
SPEAKER_04That I think is the best part of the job, just the happiness you feel by giving and knowing that maybe how you just explained it, you've given them something to share with someone else in a positive way.
SPEAKER_05Yeah. Yeah. So how long have you been doing this job?
SPEAKER_04Uh I just celebrated my year anniversary.
SPEAKER_05Okay.
SPEAKER_04Do you meet with clients every day of every week, pretty much, or right now I do, yes. I have three different clients and it works out well. The summer was a little slower, but then a friend of mine said, well, that's most likely because in the summer the snowbirds go home and they don't need, you know, the companionship, but then in the winter time they come back and it gets a little busier. So it's always been a learning process.
SPEAKER_05So is there anything about when you are working with seniors and making their dinners and things like that, do you put your own spent on food or do they they tell you what they want? I'm just curious because you know, some people that cook have very specific recipes they like to go by.
SPEAKER_04Uh so far the people I cook for aren't too fussy. I always ask before I use any seasonings. My first job uh was at a supper club and I was a chef at a restaurant. So I do have a little background in cooking, but basically it's mainly simple things that I would make for them or prepare for them. Uh one lady she likes the way I make my deviled eggs, and she even taught me that if you put seafood seasoning into the deviled eggs, that gives them a little spin. So, you know, there I learned something as well.
SPEAKER_05And we got a little tip there. So I will tell you, we always like getting tips on uh recipes and things like that. So that's a great idea. Wild-based seasoning is good for other things other than seafood. Yeah, I had never thought of that before. I'm gonna have to remember that. I have to write some of these notes down when I do talk with people and get tips on food. So that's really great to hear. And I bet that they really enjoy it um when you're cooking for them, especially if you're doing things that they enjoy and maybe aren't able to make for themselves. And then it becomes a an adventure for you as well in tasting new things. I know that Wisconsin is it's a very meat and potato state.
SPEAKER_04Yes, yes. And one client even thinks I make the best grilled cheese. So how do you tap that?
SPEAKER_05Well, absolutely. Oh my gosh, who does not love a good grilled cheese, right? Right. Yeah. Oh my goodness. So, do you have anything else that you wanted to add about your job position and and kind of what's happened in your life as far as taking care of seniors and the relationships that you've built?
SPEAKER_04I would just like to add how thankful I am to be able to experience the things I have been able to by working here. And I'm just so glad to keep getting new clients if one say leaves to go back home for the summer or something like that. In fact, one client I had did that exact thing this past summer, and this fall she emailed me, and they have decided to move to their summer home permanently so they can be with their daughter. But I thought it was even nice that when she came back to sell the house and stuff like that, that she remembered me and wanted me to know that otherwise she would have been calling seniors helping seniors to see if I could return for the winter season. So that in itself is a rewarding thing.
SPEAKER_05Yeah, it's to me it's a win-win. If seniors want to do it and they're retired and they have the time and they enjoy it, uh it's a perfect fit. It's a I don't want to call it a feel-good, but it there is the feel-good, but it's a feel-good with giving back in a way that you can give back of yourself.
SPEAKER_04It helps me feel younger seeing the fantastic things that people who live down here do at their age compared to living in Wisconsin. I'm I don't mean to badger the state that way, but um, I mean it's unbelievable. One client or husband golfs 18 holes three times a week, and it's great. The whole living down here experience and everything has been a positive in my life that I'm really glad I was I'm able to experience.
SPEAKER_05Well, good. Well, we're so happy that you were able to join us, and we're happy that you found something that's a great fit and that you're enjoying the great state of Florida and especially the East Coast. And the, you know, we have weather that doesn't snow pretty much ever. It does happen on occasion, but it's been quite some time. So I don't think you'll be needing your shovel anytime soon. Okay. That sounds like a plan. I think I'll stay. But I will say I would like to get my boots out here soon because we haven't really had too much of a cold snap yet. So I'm hoping in the next couple weeks we get a little something. Okay. I hope we do too. So think good thoughts. All right. Well, thank you so much for joining us on this podcast. You have been such a delight. I have really enjoyed getting to know you. And thank you so much for everything that you do for our seniors and being there for them because they need that. They truly do need that. And I think it's such an important job. I cannot underestimate the importance of building and keeping relationships with seniors as they're aging in place at home. So thank you for that.
SPEAKER_04Well, I thank you very much for everything, and you enjoy the rest of your day.
SPEAKER_05You too. Thank you so much. If you enjoyed this podcast, we can be found on seniorlivingguide.com podcast. Anywhere you enjoy podcasts, such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Good Pods, Pod Chaser, you name it, we're there. So please look us up, enjoy, and share with someone that you think will benefit from our resources.
