When Caring Hearts first starts working with a new client, we try to include the entire family and anyone else who’s part of what we call the caregiving team. Most of the time, these discussions are about practical matters: what and when your loved one prefers to eat, the daily schedule, any regular or occasional appointments, and so forth.
Those are the tangible parts of in-home care. The science. But Henny Schneiderbauer of Caring Hearts of Dallas reminds us that the real art in caregiving is in the less quantifiable things. The difference between nominal care and exceptional caregiving is how it makes the client feel.
Henry Schneiderbauer, Caregiving Professional, Caring Hearts of Dallas, Texas
How long have you been a professional caregiver?
On and off since I was 15 years old. I was lucky to find it early, when as a young teen, I had the opportunity to work summers in a skilled care facility where I grew up.
Why did you choose a career as a caregiver?
It’s really hard to put into words. It’s sort of in my blood now. I look forward to spending time with my clients at least as much as they do to my visits. Maybe more.
What qualities make for an exceptional caregiver?
Dedication. Anybody can give 100 percent. I try to give 150 percent every day.
How do you relax from caregiving stress?
I like to spend time with my daughter and with my animals. But the truth is, I find my job relaxing.
Any advice for family caregivers or for somebody considering becoming a caring professional?
You have to savor each moment, good or bad. The sweet and the sour are both a gift. Remember that God is good and never leaves you.
What’s most rewarding about your role?
Smiles. What I really love about my job is simply this: to make someone smile and forget about the sour parts of life. That makes my day.
Henny was recommended to us by the families she serves and her fellow caregivers at Caring Hearts of Dallas. She also has been recognized as a semifinalist for the Exceptional Caregiver Awards.
The Dallas office serves Dallas, Addison, Allen, Carrollton, Cedar Hill, DeSoto, Duncanville, Fairview, Farmers Branch, Garland, Highland Park, Irving, Lake Highlands, McKinney, Mesquite, Plano, Richardson, and University Park. To get in touch, call (866) 721-3499. Or, to find a locally owned Caring Hearts office near you, visit our locations page.
If you, or someone you know, are interested in becoming a professional caregiver, you can learn more at our careers page. And as always, we welcome your thoughts over on Facebook.