Maya and the other students in the program were assigned a resident to care for. Every Monday through Thursday, Maya awakens her resident, washes them with her partner, dresses them, brushes their teeth and hair, and then takes them to a central location where activities are going on.
Maya enjoys the atmosphere of the facility and loves the experience she is getting. “I do enjoy getting to talk to people who have lived in an entirely different era,” she says. “I have heard some very interesting and cool stories...that's a reward of providing professional care.”
Some days at the residence provide unexpected insights. Maya adds, “[As] a young sixteen year old girl, being professional can be hard sometimes and [I have to] not let my emotions get in the way of my work. It takes a lot to be a care provider; you need to know positions, protocols, [and] medications.” Maya notes that she and her friends are learning how to transport their residents in the facility with minimal discomfort, many of the residents have chronic conditions that prevent them from being able to support weight on their feet.
Playing an instrumental role in Maya’s development as an buddy care provider, Maya notes her teacher is her greatest source of support and inspiration. “She guided me and showed me the mindset and skills I need to be a caregiver,” Maya says. “My teacher was very helpful and comforting.”
Although Maya hopes to move into the medical field when she is older, she expresses passion for the world of providing care, she says. “These people have lived their lives to the fullest and deserve respect for that.”
Maya adds, “I strongly believe America needs more [caregivers], but we need people who are passionate in what they do and not only looking for a job. People have to care a lot be to a good caregiver.”
According to the Chicago Tribune, a growing number of people were becoming professional caregivers in 2017. The Chicago Tribune also cited a study done by PHI (formerly the Paraprofessional Health Institute) reporting that this growth was projected to endure for a decade. Despite the projected growth, the Chicago Tribune added that the number of those needing professional aid would continue to surpass the number of available professional caregivers. When a 2015 Pew study was conducted, 16% of the population ages 15 and older provided unpaid care to members of the aging population, 89% of that group caring for their relatives.
To prepare students for various medical careers, including careers as nursing assistants, nurses, physical therapist aides, and physical therapists, Montgomery County Public Schools implemented Academy of Health Professions and Biosciences programs in eight high schools. This ensures that some students will graduate high school with the tools necessary to support Americans who struggle to care for their loved ones.
