While many of us look forward to retirement, once there, we can find ourselves missing some of the best parts of working life. Yes, there’s the paycheck, but it’s also the connections with co-workers or clients, and a sense of purpose.
Lynn Dahlen was in just such a place after retiring from a long-standing career in human resources. With time on her hands and a friend who oversaw an assisted living facility, Lynn found a new calling in senior care. “I hadn’t worked for a few years and I needed to be useful,” she reflects.
While she enjoyed working in the facility, Lynn was also looking for flexibility and the opportunity for more one-on-one connections, and that was when her daughter suggested Right at Home, serving Snohomish County.
“I really enjoy the work – it’s incredibly rewarding and I have clients I dearly love,” Lynn says. “I’ve always loved helping people and this fills that need. It gives me something to do and I can make a difference in their lives.”
Every day is different
Right at Home provides a range of in-home assistance, from preparing a meal or driving clients to appointments, to providing 24-hour care.
Lynn might prepare breakfast or lunch, do a little tidying up, walk the dog or just visit, for example. “Many people don’t have a lot of people to talk to. Maybe they live alone or with children who are away at work all day,” notes Lynn, who appreciates the diversity of the job and the impact she can have.
“Every day is different and every client is different,” she says. “And the interactions you have with the clients are really fascinating. A lot of my clients are in their late 80s or 90s so I’ve learned a lot from them.”
The company’s flexibility also makes the job ideal for post-retirement, adds Lynn, who can work full-time or part-time, and schedule around other responsibilities, like caring for her grandkids over summer break.
“The company is great. They offer ongoing training and support, and really work to match up the caregivers and clients,” Lynn says. “It just seems like they really care about their clients and their staff.”
To learn more about career opportunities with Right at Home, visit rightathome.net/snohomish-county/careers and apply today or call 425-290-1714 for more information.
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