Blog > The Heart of Caregiving: Kristin Schmidt’s Story

The Heart of Caregiving: Kristin Schmidt’s Story

Caregiving is more than just providing assistance—it’s about creating meaningful connections, offering dignity, and making each day a little easier for those in need. For Kristin Schmidt, caregiving runs in the family. Inspired by her mother’s work with Touching Hearts at Home, she felt drawn to this profession, knowing firsthand the impact compassionate care can have on seniors and their families.

A Personal Connection: The Journey Begins

Kristin’s caregiving journey didn’t start with formal training—it started with family. Watching her mother dedicate herself to home care inspired her to take the same path. She wanted to make a difference, just as she had seen her mother do time and time again.

“I’ve always known the value of caring for others,” Kristin shares. “When the opportunity came to work in home care, I knew I wanted to be part of something that truly makes a difference.”

A Moment of True Impact

One of the most memorable moments in Kristin’s caregiving experience was with a client diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. The client struggled with the idea of his diagnosis, often becoming upset if it was mentioned. Instead of focusing on what he had lost, Kristin focused on what still brought him joy.

She met the client at the gym, where he believed she was simply a workout friend. He proudly showed her his routine, and a friendship was formed. On one particular day, Kristin happened to be wearing a baseball jersey, which caught the client’s attention. He loved baseball, particularly the Atlanta Braves, while Kristin was a Red Sox fan. That small conversation turned into a daily ritual.

“Every day before I left the client’s home he would ask, ‘You’re coming again tomorrow, right? We’re going to talk some ball.’”

“That experience really made me feel like I made a difference,” Kristin says. “It showed me that even in the midst of memory loss, people hold onto the things that bring them joy.”

Lessons from Caregiving

Kristin has learned that every case is different. No two seniors experience aging the same way, and each journey comes with unique challenges. But one universal truth stands out: losing independence is incredibly difficult.

“We will all experience it in some way,” Kristin reflects. “If I can make that transition even a little bit easier for someone, then I know I’ve done my job.”

Building Trust & Meaningful Connections

Building trust is at the core of caregiving. Kristin believes that trust is built through empathy, consistency, and truly listening to each client.

Empathy goes a long way—acknowledging and validating a client’s feelings makes them feel seen and heard.
Patience and reassurance provide a sense of security, particularly for clients who may be confused or frustrated.
Consistency fosters familiarity, which is especially important when working with clients experiencing memory loss.

Kristin emphasizes that caregivers should never assume what a client can or cannot do. Let them try. Let them be involved. Let them feel valued.

Overcoming Challenges in Caregiving

One of the biggest challenges Kristin faces is navigating professional boundaries. She often wishes she could offer more help in areas outside of her official role, but understands the importance of staying within the guidelines of home care.

“Sometimes I want to help in ways that we aren’t professionally allowed to,” she admits. “It’s hard because you care so much, but you have to find ways to support them within the scope of your role.”

Making a Difference in Everyday Moments

Kristin believes that making a difference isn’t always about grand gestures—it’s about the small, consistent moments that add up over time.

“All the little things matter,” she says. “It’s not just about providing care, it’s about including clients in day-to-day life, making them feel like they still have purpose and meaning.”

Advice for Future Caregivers

For those considering a career in home care, Kristin offers honest advice:

Do it for the right reasons. If you’re only in it for a paycheck, this isn’t the job for you.
Respect, dignity, and compassion are non-negotiable. Clients deserve to feel empowered, not just taken care of.
Understand that needing help takes courage. Many seniors struggle with the idea of relying on someone else, and it’s up to caregivers to make that transition easier.

A New Perspective on Aging

Every day in caregiving teaches Kristin something new about aging. She describes it as both scary and wonderful at the same time.

“I learn so much from the people I work with,” she shares. “I love hearing their stories, learning from their experiences. I just hope that someday, someone feels that way about me.”

The Importance of Home Care

At the heart of home care is the ability for seniors to remain in their own homes, surrounded by familiarity and comfort. Kristin believes this is one of the greatest gifts a caregiver can provide.

“Helping people stay in the homes they worked so hard for is truly amazing,” she says. “Restoring independence and offering friendship instead of just services makes all the difference—not just for the client, but for the caregiver as well.”

Final Thoughts

Kristin Schmidt’s journey as a caregiver highlights the true heart of home care—compassion, patience, and connection. Whether it’s talking baseball with a client, offering reassurance to a client struggling with memory loss, or simply being a steady presence in someone’s life, Kristin embodies the mission of Touching Hearts at Home.

For those searching for home care that prioritizes dignity, independence, and companionship, or for those seeking a fulfilling career in caregiving, Touching Hearts at Home Rochester is here to support you.