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When Jazmin’s father fell ill and moved in with her from Mexico, she never imagined it would set her on a path to becoming a caregiver. For three years, she watched her father struggle with confusion and agitation, sparking in her a desire to understand more about caring for those with similar conditions.
"I kind of wanted to learn more about agitation and dementia and how to deal with people like him," Jazmin reflects, "or just to kind of understand him more when he was here." This personal experience would prove invaluable in her future career. Today, as our Employee of the Month, Jazmin brings that same compassionate understanding to her work with her clients. Each presents unique challenges that Jazmin meets with remarkable patience and creativity.
"With my one client, who's in bed 24/7, we do stretches in her bed," Jazmin explains. Her approach is both practical and nurturing. When they become agitated, Jazmin doesn't just manage the situation – she transforms it into a moment of connection. "We do exercise breathing together," she says, "So we both are calm."
But Jazmin's journey into caregiving started long before her father's illness. During her high school years, she worked with children with disabilities, gaining experience in everything from tutoring to tube feeding. She later expanded her expertise at an adult daycare in Los Angeles, where she helped with daily activities and organized social events.
What sets Jazmin apart is her genuine love for her work. "I like the feeling that I'm doing something nice for them," she shares with warmth in her voice. "That they need the help and that I'm there to help them – it makes me feel good." When she's not caring for her clients, Jazmin is a devoted mother of three, including a toddler who "keeps me busy most of the time." Her love for puzzles and music while cleaning reveals a personality that finds joy in life's simple moments – a quality that undoubtedly enhances her caregiving.
For those considering a career in caregiving, Jazmin's advice is straightforward but profound: "You have to love what you want to do." She admits she once had reservations about certain aspects of the job but learned that genuine care overcomes all hesitations. "You just have to try to keep yourself calm to do the best that you can," she advises.
From caring for her father to supporting clients in their homes, Jazmin's story shows how the best caregivers often emerge from personal experience combined with professional dedication. Her recognition as Employee of the Month comes as no surprise to those who know her work, though it came as a pleasant shock to Jazmin herself. In San Jose, where she now calls home, Jazmin continues to make a difference in her clients' lives, one compassionate interaction at a time. Her story reminds us that great caregiving isn't just about the job done – it's about the heart behind the care.
