This article was written by a guest contributor, John Trompeter, the owner/operator of ComForCare of Wheaton, IL.
My dad was a doer—one of those guys who, when met with difficulty, just put his nose to the grindstone and got things done.
He served in World War II, got married, and worked as an accountant. I’m sure it was no picnic raising nine children and paying all the taxes on our home in Elmhurst.
Dad took a stoic attitude toward life—you live by the rules and accept difficulties without complaint. But after Mom passed, that was a risky way to live. As he reached his mid-80s, he began to suffer from an unknown malady, sometimes falling. Living alone was dangerous.
My sisters made sure he received regular visits from us children. We took turns. My time slot was Friday evenings, and Dad and I would sit at the kitchen table sipping beers and talking leisurely.
One day during a routine visit to the doctor, we were delivered harsh news. “This man cannot spend one more night at home,” the doc said sternly.
So we hired an overnight caregiver, Anna.
We were pleased when we found that Dad got along well with her and followed her directives.
“I like her,” he said, betraying little emotion. I could tell that the caregiver had earned his respect.
Thus I learned about caregiving. At one point an opportunity arose for me to become a franchise owner at ComForCare of Wheaton.
Now I tell new clients the role home care plays when a family is burdened with the tiring tasks of chauffer, housecleaner, and shopper.
With home care, family members can get back the roles that they had…and resume those Friday evenings at the kitchen table.
By John Trompeter Owner/Operator, ComForCare of Wheaton