McKnight’s Home Care: Griswold Caregiver Uses Personal Tragedy as Inspiration for Career

Cheryl Hall, a caregiver in Nashville working with Griswold, one of the top non-medical home care franchises in the world, has a profound personal history in caregiving. Despite the tragic loss of her epileptic daughter, whom she cared for until her passing, Hall has not stepped back from her caregiving role. Instead, she channels her experience and the pain of her loss into her work, finding purpose in aiding others to regain their independence and celebrate their small victories. 

“I could help [my daughter] as far as their physical needs and everything, but I couldn’t help her get better,” Hall told McKnight’s Home Care Daily Pulse. “But what I do now, I can actually help people gain independence back. It’s just nice to watch [a patient] and see the little victories that they get, when they can do something else they couldn’t do prior.”

Before becoming a caregiver, Hall studied phlebotomy, but her experience as her daughter's full-time caregiver naturally led her into the home care industry. Now approaching her sixth year with Griswold, she works with two clients, one recovering from a stroke and the other living with Parkinson's. Hall emphasizes the importance of treating patients as adults, respecting their autonomy and making balanced decisions in their care. Her “gift of gab” and patience have greatly benefited her in this career transition, allowing her to connect with and effectively support her clients.

“A lot of people think that because you work in someone’s home that you’re sitting around all day,” said Hall. “Not true, there’s always something to do. Sweeping, doing laundry, washing dishes, cooking meals. Things just to make everything good for the person you’re taking care of.” 

The role of a caregiver, as Hall has learned both personally and professionally, is demanding, both emotionally and physically. Despite these challenges, Hall finds the role rewarding and is dedicated to improving the lives of those she cares for. 

Griswold aims to support all caregivers like Hall, not only through employment opportunities, but also through its non-profit organization The Jean Griswold Foundation. Funds raised through private donors, corporations, franchisees and employees focus on caregiver education advancement and scholarships. The Jean Griswold Foundation believes that everyone deserves to age with dignity and the availability of quality caregivers is the key to achieving this goal. By supporting the profession of caregiving in all its forms, communities across the nation will be happier and healthier places to live.

Read the full article, here. 

For more information about franchising with Griswold, please visit https://1851franchise.com/griswold