On August 8th, Senator Barack Obama walked a day in the shoes of Alameda County homecare worker Pauline Beck.
Pauline writes about the experience below:
When I was first told Senator Barack Obama would be walking a day in my shoes, the first thing that came to mind was: What do you make a presidential candidate for breakfast?
The moment the Senator came to my door and we said hello, I knew he would fit right in with my two daughters, my son and my two year old grandnephew I care for.
While we ate breakfast, we talked about how difficult it is to support a family on $10.50 an hour with limited work hours. I told him I have to take another job to make ends meet. I also told him that Alameda County homecare workers are considered ‘fortunate’ since many other homecare workers are paid only minimum wage and don’t get any health benefits.
Once we finished breakfast, Senator Obama and I headed over to John Thornton’s home – the 86 year old gentleman I care for. The Senator asked me how I knew Mr. John (which is what he likes to be called). I explained that it was through a friend at church – that Mr. John’s caregiver wasn’t able to care for him anymore because the job is so physically demanding. That’s when I stepped in.
I told Senator Obama that Mr. John has two homecare providers. I take the morning shift – getting Mr. John up, bathed, fed, seated in his wheelchair and ready for the day, and another care provider makes sure he eats dinner and gets to bed safe and sound.
I shared that even though it’s tough work, a financial struggle and I often work more hours than I’m paid for in order to make sure that Mr. John is taken care of, I love what I do and one day hope that someone will care for me with the same compassion I give Mr. John.
When we got to Mr. John’s, the Senator was ready and willing to do whatever task was at hand. He jumped in and made Mr. John breakfast, helped with the laundry, did some chores around the house, and gave me a hand changing Mr. John’s sheets. Besides making sure that Mr. John’s house is in order and that he gets the help he needs to start his day, my job has a lot of physical demands. I told the Senator—and he got to see for himself—that homecare is very rewarding, but it’s also really hard work. I also explained to him that even though I work through Alameda County, if I get sick, I receive no paid time off like other County and State employees—and homecare workers don’t get any paid vacation.
My day with Senator Obama was one I’ll never forget – and I hope he never forgets it as well. I hope he understands how important the homecare program is to those we care for – that our work makes it possible for folks to live in their own homes surrounded by all of their memories. I hope he understands the struggles homecare workers have on the job and at home just trying to make ends meet.
And by the way, in case you ever find yourself having a presidential candidate over for breakfast, scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, sausage and croissants seemed to be a big hit.