Story Cards
Nothing is more impactful and relatable than a personal story.
Personal stories bring a powerful voice to your lived experiences. That is why Iowa CareGivers will be featuring the stories (below) of direct care workers, family caregivers, and healthcare students on this dedicated page of our website. Please share your stories that will inspire others. And you will be inspired by the stories of others who share your passion and compassion.
“I will always work in healthcare until I am no longer able. I was working private homecare for a family. I provided care for their mother, Marg, who was in Hospice. She experienced a lot of pain, so I would ask her to tell me about her life. She loved to talk about her late husband. Knowing that my patient/resident is happy with the care that I am providing them makes me feel appreciated. I love meeting new people and learning different ways to care for them.”
Jerica Harvey
Home Care Technician – Medical-Surgical
Des Moines, IA
“A resident that I took care of was able to go home. She came back to visit and gave all of us hugs. I make a difference when I put a smile on the residents faces and receive their hugs and hugs from family members. The residents, their family members, and my co-workers make me feel appreciated. When I became a Certified Nursing Assistant, I followed both of my sisters and was able to take the Certified Nursing Assistant course.”
Roslind Loder
Certified Nursing Assistant
Emmetsburg, IA
“In 2011 my sister became disabled. I became her guardian and family caregiver. It was a challenge to work full-time and provide her with the attention she needed. My sister and I were very close growing up and when she became disabled, she needed me in a whole new way. At the beginning I learned a lot about insurance, facilities, and medical care. I love to see my sister thrive due to the support I have given her. There are very few resources for family caregivers. It is an isolated journey.”
Elisabeth Buck
Retired / Family Caregiver
Des Moines, IA
“I was taking care of a hospice patient and found out that one of her sons was my high school teacher. It was an honor to know that I took care of his mom. At the visitation, he introduced me as a former student and mentioned how he appreciated all the care that I gave to her. Later, he sent a letter to the hospice with a donation. It is such an honor to know that I was able to make my client comfortable and with dignity through her journey.”
Sally Chapman
Hospice Aide
Murray, IA
“I have been a home care aide for 25 years. I have made my career caring for people. My wish is that someday my career is viewed as a professional well-paid career that people will seek to do themselves and find it as rewarding as I have.”
Connie Cochran
Home Care Aide
Oskaloosa, IA
“During COVID, knowing I was going to be the last person to care for many that died, I took extra time to love them, and listen to them, their fears, regrets, and stories. It was hard, but I will forever be thankful I was there with them.”
Karen Kubura
Telehealth Care
Technician / Veteran’s Hospital
Urbandale, IA
“I wish I would have become a Certified Nursing Assistant while I was still in high school. It is something that I recommend to almost any young person who would like to develop a mature respect and patience for those in vulnerable positions. One of my favorite parts of being a direct care worker is the satisfaction of feeling needed and depended upon, especially as a traveling temp Certified Nursing Assistant filling in wherever necessary. There is almost always a shortage of somewhere within an hour of me being short-staffed, so the need is great.”
Kami Madsen
Certified Nursing Assistant
George, IA
“A dying resident looked at me and said, “Thanks for everything, Fran.” It was a profound moment for both of us on the dignity and reverence for life that is involved in direct care. Direct care is a compassionate connection with others that gives meaning and purpose to my life, and to the lives of those who receive it.”
Fran Mancl
Direct Support Professional, Certified Nursing Assistant
"It takes a village" couldn't be more true as the "village" of family caregivers, direct care workers with Personal Touch Home Care, and my 98-year-old mother have worked together to keep her at home for the last 2.5 years! Family caregiving is tough, but the rewards are GREAT when we see Mom enjoy all that is home......changing seasons, neighbors and family visits, trips to the family farm, even trips to Des Moines - the list goes on!”
Julie McMahon
Family Caregiver/Public Health Nurse and Advocate with mom, Betty Mason Grimsman
“My father was in hospice. During the night I would sit with him. He loved ‘30s, ‘40s jazz and swing music so I would play it in his room. One hospice caregiver started to get him up from his chair and dance with him…which made that stressful act so enjoyable for my father. He always smiled and it made him happy. I always remember the kindness and attention to my father that this caregiver used to make this small activity right.”
Jim Miles-Polka
Family Caregiver
Des Moines, IA
“I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant from 1986 to 2001 in various healthcare facilities. Taking care of someone else’s family member isn’t a job. It is a personal mission. I’ve cared for several family members before they passed away; my mom, her mother, my uncle, my dad, raised 3 granddaughters and now I’m taking care of my husband for the 3rd time. We’ve been married 18 years. Two years ago, he had a stroke. He deserves the care and respect that I give him. His wish is to be at home as long as possible. He also wants to pass away at home. Knowing that he says he is happy, makes me feel appreciated.”
Lauri Myers With Husband Brian
Family Caregiver and Former Certified Nursing Assistant
Hartley, IA
“I was assisting a resident to prepare to go to the hospital due to testing…she had cancer. A newer staff member assisting me stated, ‘I can tell how much you care.’ It made me feel good she recognized that I loved caregiving.”
Cindy Ramer
Certified Nursing Assistant
Denver, IA
“I strive, on a daily basis, to make an impact on others’ lives. Seeing the individuals succeed on their goals and become more independent and successful is why I continue to do what I do.”
Derek Smith
Direct Support Professional
Oelwein, IA
“I really loved my job when I was working.I loved taking care of my residents. I enjoyed talking to my residents. I considered my residents as part of my family.”
Jeffrey Weinstock
Certified Nursing Assistant
Knoxville, IA
“I’ve been in direct care for 30 years and 20 years so far with the veterans at the Veterans’ Home. I had the chance to go on the honor flight with a veteran and it was the most rewarding experience I’ve ever had... I love what I do... it’s truly the toughest job you will ever love!”
Brenda Bowen
Certified Nursing Assistant
Veteran’s Home
Reinbeck, IA
“As a caregiver, I worked as a rehab aide in a nursing home. I remember getting a note from a resident thanking me for getting her to walk again. Millie and I had a bond. She called me her mom. I took her to the circus, to the Spencer Fair, and a rodeo. Millie loved to dance. I would get her out on the dance floor and take residents in their wheelchairs and dance with them. Their faces would just light up. Talking about dancing, we had a lady that would come in and play the organ. Sometimes she would have me dress up in a chicken outfit and do the chicken dance for the residents. One year, for Halloween, I brought in some wigs and dressed up with some of the residents. I have been doing this kind of work for 42 years so there are so many memorable stories. I’ve seen changes in the hours we work, dress code, the use of machines to move people, etc. One thing that hasn’t changed… I still love my job! ”
Renee Bernier
Certified Nursing Assistant
Hartley, IA
“I took care of a nurse from the war. Giving her care was very special to me. I was bathing her when she passed, and her family was very religious and the kids asked if I had seen her spirit leave towards heaven. I said yes. I love helping others, making them comfortable, and making them smile. I feel appreciated when they tell me thank you for what I do for them and when they always ask when I’m coming back.”
Bette Losee
House Manager – Family Caregiver
Corning, IA
“I assisted a lady to stay in her home after being discharged from services. She was much happier to be in her own home. Her family appreciated the friendship we had developed. She lived to be 100 years old in her own home. I feel appreciated knowing I am able to help them stay in their own home where they want to be, helping them to be the best they can be.”
Jayne Holste
Home Care Aide – In-Home
Atlantic, IA
Giving care when people feel helpless gives me a sense of purpose. When I was working in oncology, I felt like I could make a positive difference in each life I encountered throughout the day. Patients are what keeps me in healthcare. The looks that you get, the hand on the shoulder, or the sigh of relief, make your soul happy. No words are needed. “They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou
Tami Hawk
Director of Life Enrichment and Special Services
Corning, IA