By: Saige Johnston
A day in my life caregiving for my mother was very packed and heavy for me and my
brothers, and once we got a PSW to help out, it made a huge difference. My mother was
diagnosed with ALS in 2018, and although I started caregiving for her at that time, it amplified
in 2020.
A day in my life consisted of waking up at 5:30am to get my workout done before
6:30am, which is when my mom would wake up. I would help her get dressed and on her
CompuTrainer (a stationary bike, the only exercise that she was still able to do). I would take the
time she was biking as my time to get ready for school, and then when I was done, it was around
7:30am. I would help my mom off her bike, and help her in the shower. I would dress her, and
then get breakfast ready for her. She would start work around 8:30am at her desk, and because it
was Covid, she worked remotely.
After making sure my mom was set for the day, I would drive my brothers and myself to
school. During school, I would continue to care by constantly thinking about my mom at home
by herself, and if she was navigating the day okay. After school, I would come home and make
myself a snack, and do homework. At around 5pm, my moms work day was done. My brothers
and I would help her make dinner, feed her during dinner as well as eat our meals, and then my
brothers and I would clean up. Getting her ready for bed is similar to the morning routine, and
once she was in bed, I would have time to myself.
When my mother finally agreed to get help from a PSW, my routine changed, and I was
so grateful for the extra help. My morning was the same, as the PSW did not come to our house
until my mom was off her bike. The PSW would shower her and get her breakfast, which gave
me an extra hour of sleep! They would be home during the hours I was at school, which helped
relieve my mental stress. After school, the PSW would help my mom until dinner. In 2022, my
mothers health declined more severely, so the PSW stayed to help out after dinner, and with my
moms bedtime routine. The difference of a day in my life before and after having a PSW helping
out at home may not seem too different, but the smallest amount of aid helped me and my
brothers greatly.
