TCV’s Featured Family Caregiver

In addition to our Valentine’s-themed Caregiver of the Month of February, The Caregiver’s Voice is featuring several other family and professional caregivers as inspirational examples.

Our next featured caregiver is family caregiver Paulette Gabourel, a finalist among the nominees for Caregiver of the Month. Her story was submitted by her dear friend Carletta S. Hurt of Atlanta, Georgia who wrote…

Family Caregiver Paulette Gabourel  seen her with her father Melvin suffering with cardiovascular disease

“I met Paulette in July 2010. She is a beautiful person with a great spirit.”

“I quickly learned that while she takes time for herself, family is very important to her. She is the primary caregiver for her aging father with cardiovascular disease and older sister with multiple sclerosis.”

Five reasons Paulette deserves recognition

Her sister resides in an assisting living home and Paulette visits at least once a week, stays for hours, plays cards and brings presents for her sister.
Paulette is a licensed massage therapist and provides complimentary services to the other residents.
Paulette manages the financial and medical affairs for her sister and father including making appointments, taking them to appointments (when possible), paying any bills, and negotiating arrangements so that they get the best care for the right price.
Lucky, Paulette’s dog, accompanies her on visits to provide pet therapy for her father and sister.
Paulette respects her father and sister by allowing them to make decisions and including them in the process so they feel ownership.

Caregiver Paulette helping her sister up the stairs. Maria suffers from MS.

“Paulette is the youngest of six. She also took care of her mother before she passed away in 2004. Her mother lived with her for a short period during her final stages of cancer before hospice was necessary.”

“Paulette believes in quality and respectful care and calls conditions challenges that can be overcome. Her positive attitude and cheerful spirit make the world of difference when she sees her father and sister.”

“I believe that she deserves so much and this recognition would be a giant step in that direction.”

Carletta S. Hurt, Ed.S.
Atlanta, Georgia

Caregivers, know that your impact ripples beyond just you and your loved one(s). Take for example, Paulette’s friend Carletta, who has for the past seven months watched Paulette closely enough to write in some detail about how Paulette provides care for her father and sister.

Thank you Carletta Hurt for sharing these keen observations of your friend Paulette Gabourel – a finalist for TCV’s Caregiver of the Month of February.

To submit your own caregiver nominees, please click on Nominate TCV’s Next Caregiver of the Month.

Brenda Avadian, MA
TheCaregiversVoice.com