Caregiver speaks of love for patients

Sister Nomsa Mdletshe‘s personal experience has helped her to find her calling in life.

“When I was in grade six my father had an accident and he went from being an able bodied man to a disabled man. Life changed at home. We we had to learn how to take care of him full-time,” said Nomsa.

Nomsa is a caregiver at the Avalon Home for the Disabled in Kensington and her love and passion for her patients is evident.

She believes being a caregiver is a gift from God.

Caring for her father from a young age made Nomsa realise the difficulties faced by disabled people.

“When my father returned home in a wheelchair, we were advised to take him to a home for the disabled. My mother refused and she prepared us mentally that he is still our father and no one can replace him. She told us he needs us, his family. We took care of my father until the day he died,” Nomsa said.

Nomsa said a number of disabled people spend time being frustrated and angry at the world because some were not born disabled.

She initially volunteered at Avalon following her training.

“I would always help out when the home was short staffed. I never give up and never complain. I love this job and to me it’s not just a job. It’s my life,” said Nomsa.

“Love, kindness and patience are very important qualities to have as a caregiver. You are dealing with people who are mentally, emotionally and physically hurt. So I always try to encourage my patients, especially the ones who were not born disabled, to have hope.

“Sometimes the damage is permanent but you need to put yourself in their shoes and try to understand. For some it takes a long time but others get to see the positive side of the situation easily.

“If a patient is feeling negative, you need to try and establish why they are feeling that way,” said Nomsa.

Nomsa enjoys working at Avalon.

“The management is always open to advice that will help patients get better or make their stay at the home comfortable.

“You need a supportive management. As much as I love my work, there are difficulties that we face as caregivers. Often we need supervisors to step in to help resolve problems. Our supervisor does not leave us out as caregivers in establishing the solution together with input from the patient,” Nomsa said.

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