I went into this program knowing that it would be hard. While I have elderly relatives, I had very little experience working in a hospice environment. I was scared of the challenge of building a relationship with someone who was near the end of their life and knowing that there would be a time when that relationship would end.
That is why I was both delighted and terrified to find out that I would be visiting my patient, “Johnson”, in his own home. A person’s home is an extension of themselves – it tells a great deal about who they are – and being invited in felt like stepping into his life, literally and figuratively. Johnson led a busy life as a physician assistant, but that was only a small part of who he was. His true passions shone through in the art and craftsmanship scattered throughout his home: delicate bird paintings hung on the walls, and handmade shelves and tables revealed his skill as a woodworker. While Johnson didn’t talk much, seeing these pieces of his life helped me connect with him in a way that words alone couldn’t.
Our relationship grew quietly, shaped by shared moments of understanding rather than long conversations. I learned to appreciate the silence, letting his environment tell the stories he no longer could. Johnson’s wife, “Ava”, was also a large part of my experience. Her warmth and optimism were remarkable, and she welcomed me into their home as if I were family. As a former medical professional, she shared stories and advice that were both inspiring and humbling. Her insights into patient care showed me the importance of compassion and understanding in medicine.
Through this experience, I grew in ways I didn’t expect. I found that I was able to connect with older populations more easily than I had imagined. Before this program, I had little experience comforting and connecting with strangers much older than myself. But Johnson and Ava changed that. They showed me that the elderly have rich lives full of stories, wisdom, and passions, and I learned to approach each patient with curiosity and empathy.
Working closely with Johnson has transformed the way I view myself in the role of a caregiver. I no longer see caregiving as simply administering treatments or offering advice. I now understand the importance of listening, empathizing, and understanding each patient’s unique story. This experience has given me a greater sense of purpose, in knowing that providing compassionate care can make a significant difference in someone’s life. It has also encouraged me to prioritize emotional care alongside physical health, helping me connect with patients on a more meaningful level.
This program has been invaluable in preparing me for a future in medicine. It reminded me that every patient has a story worth listening to and that the most meaningful care comes from recognizing the person behind the illness. I’ll carry these lessons with me as I move forward in my medical journey, striving to treat every patient with the compassion and understanding they deserve.