Linda shared with CareerForce her perspective on the essential work done by Caring Professionals from her perspective as a person receiving care and support.
How does having the right care and support make a real difference in your life?
It makes all the difference in my life! I live independently in my own home and have done so since I left my parents’ home in rural Minnesota to go to college. My caregivers have allowed to stay at my home whether that be a dormitory room, apartment or house. This has allowed me to stay employed, be involved in my community, give back to my community, have friends, take vacations and have fun!
Share something important that you were able to do or an event you were able to attend or something else you were able to take part in because you had the care and support you needed.
I am able to go visit my parents who are now in assisted living, participate in family functions and survive things like COVID because of the exceptional care my workers provide. They have accompanied me on numerous vacations, professional conferences, volunteering on nonprofit boards and just going out with family, friends and colleagues.
What is something else you want others to know about caring professionals?
They become like family because you spend so much time with them. Because my care needs are high, they sacrifice working on holidays and being with their families or they have invited me to celebrate with their families so I am not alone. There is no such thing as a “break” when you are a caring professional and someone needs your care. They are really unsung heroes in our society and most people don’t understand the work they do. They deserve to be paid living wages with benefits as the work they do is so important.
Linda Wolford, M.S. is the Interagency Coordinator and Workforce Shortage Co-lead in the Disability Services Division at the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
