I am so lucky to spend my days around caring people that give generously of their time and emotions to others in need. At Seniors Helping Seniors we recruit “young” seniors to take care of “older” seniors that need help to continue to live on their own. Of course, age isn’t really the determinant. We have several caregivers in their 70’s, even a couple that are 80 now, and receivers that are in their 60’s. If there is ever a place where you can see that age is just a state of mind, just come to one of our employee meetings. What our caregivers do have in common is their generous spirit.
Most of our caregivers have retired from other careers and are at a place where they can decide how they will spend their time. That they choose to spend their time caring for others instead of themselves is a witness to me every day. Because their giving is an option, it is so powerful to observe. Being that November is National Caregiver Appreciation month, it seems like a perfect time to share with you some of the wonderful people I get to spend my time with.
Curt Bloom, Sparta, MI
Curt Bloom of Sparta – Curt came to Seniors Helping Seniors after retiring from GM in Wyoming. Curt worked for GM for 30 years and earned numerous Employee of the Month awards while there. Outside of work, Curt has been to Mexico five times to help build homes for families. He worked with Habitat for Humanity here in Grand Rapids and traveled to Mississippi to help after a recent hurricane. He has also worked with Bethany Christian Services and Lutheran Christian Services to settle and mentor refugees coming into the United States.
Curt is one of our most utilized companions. He has time and time again demonstrated his patience and love of people. Several times a week, Curt comes down from Sparta to take one of our clients to the laundry mat, bill payment errands and grocery shopping. Nothing glamorous, but so critical to the receiver who can no longer get around on her own. He also has a very special assignment 4 times a week to bring a devoted husband to visit his wife of 60+ years, who is now living in a dementia care center. Because he knows how much those visits mean, when he had car trouble during an assignment recently he had his daughter come and take him and his client to the care center before he dealt with his car.
Curt is a very special caregiver for Seniors Helping Seniors and demonstrates for all of us what a servant heart looks like in action.
Danna Gomez
Care Manager & Co-owner,
Managed Senior Care LLC and Seniors Helping Seniors of W.MI
Grand Rapids, MI
