Words of Gratitude
From Ernie Cote, Chief Operating Officer, Cambridge Caregivers
When families look back on the life of a loved one, the people they choose to thank in an obituary often say something important about the journey they shared. Recently, the family of a client served by our Houston office included one of our caregivers in that expression of gratitude in their loved one’s obituary.
Out of respect for the family’s privacy, I won’t share names. But the obituary truly touched my heart and served as a powerful reminder of the critical role our caregivers play during some of the most important—and vulnerable—moments in a family’s life.
I know that impact firsthand. As a young adult, I had the responsibility of finding caregivers for my mother and later for my grandfather at their end of the lives. I remember how desperately we needed help, and the incredible difference that good caregivers made during those difficult days.
It’s also not surprising to me that genuine bonds often form between caregivers, clients and families. Caregiving is professional work that requires skill, reliability and training. But caregivers are also human beings. They share conversations, routines, laughter, challenges and quiet moments with the people they serve. Over time, it’s not unusual for a client to feel like a second parent, grandparent or close friend.
We see those connections reflected in the gratitude families express. But it also affects caregivers themselves. When a longtime client passes away, caregivers may experience real grief and loss. For that reason, we provide grief counseling and emotional support resources to caregivers who request them, at no cost. Supporting caregivers is important, because caregiving is deeply personal work.
This recent obituary also reminds me of the trust families place in us every day. Inviting someone into your home during a difficult season of life requires confidence not only in a caregiver’s skills, but also in their character, empathy and compassion.
I never take that trust lightly. And when families choose to recognize a caregiver in such a personal way, it reminds me that the work our team does truly matters.
– Ernie