Meet Caretaker, Jeanie Fowler
Jeanie Fowler is a caretaker for an elderly woman who has no family. Jeanie is originally from Hyde Park, NY, but moved to St. Petersberg, Florida twenty years ago to start a new life. She has always had a passion for helping the less fortunate, and has been caretaking elderly woman and US Veterans for the past fifteen years, and will continue as long as she possibly can!
What is the hardest part about being a caretaker?
The responsibility for another person’s life is the hardest part. Knowing they could fall, get sick, or even die any second is a huge weight to carry and a lot of stress.
What is your favorite memory while doing your job?
I think Marie’s 95th birthday is my favorite, just seeing her so happy and knowing I was doing something good for somebody that needed it made my heart smile.
Why are you a caretaker?
Good question. I believe I love old people and god gave me the patience you need to be one. If you don’t have patience you would be a horrible caretaker! It’s not something everybody has, and I think I’m blessed to be as patient as I am.
Do you ever wish you had a different job? Why or why not.
Sometimes, because sometimes it’s very upsetting and frustrating dealing with the elderly, they often forget to pay me and I find myself in awkward situations! Most of the time it’s very rewarding, not all the time though.
If you had to pick one thing you didn’t have to do that comes with your job, what would it be?
Definitely showers, it’s a huge responsibility to clean Marie and wash her hair. She isn’t always the easiest to work with and often complains about the water temperature being too hot, too cold, then too hot again which can be extremely frustrating. I’m sure you can understand why that wouldn’t be the most pleasant part of the job!
Interview has been edited for brevity, clarity, and style.
