We’ll Live Through All The Long Long Days, And Long Nights

A VISUAL JOURNAL OF A CARE WORKER

"I'm fed up with the endless days and nights like this."

This sentiment is shared by several clients I've worked with as a home care worker: each day seems to merge into the next, with little hope for improvement while the prospect of worsening looms.

But my clients are not alone. Somehow we all encounter seemingly endlessly stagnant days and nights. Yet, we rarely find a way to get along with them.

Perhaps, simply "live through it" is the answer in itself?

The following drawings record my work life as a home carer: the path I tread, and the beautiful souls I meet day and night.

NO ONE'S THERE

ON MY WAY BACK HOME

IT'S JUST ANOTHER ORDINARY Day

IF IT'S REAL, THEN I WILL STAY

My note: I adore evening walks for the enchanting sight of twinkling lights in every home. It's like stepping into a dreamland, utterly comforting.

 

 

WE ARE BOTH STRANGERS TO THIS PLACE

My note: The giant cactus always captivates me as I walk by. I often marvel at its resilience, thriving in the UK's unpredictable weather.

 

 

LOVE IS OUR SALVATION

A FOREVER YOUNG SOUL IS A SPELL

My note: 'If only I could see, I could do it myself.' Whenever she's grumpy, she will say it over and over. She has a good memory and with a wide range of hobbies. Her forever-young soul in an aging body makes her sorrow.

 

 

24/7, 365

UNEXPECTEDLY CHARMED BY AN APPLE

My note: I find myself getting more sentimental lately. After living a mundane routine for so long, even the smallest sensations have the power to astonish me.

 

WILL WE EVER GET THE ANSWER WE NEED

My note: He isn't expected to be my client, being too young to be considered elderly. During one of my visits, he surprised me by flicking on a lighter on the bed. I found the scene melancholic. And yes, I captured it.

SHE SAID I'M RICH. (YES, I AM.)

My note: She is a charming lady battling dementia, and her words often catch me off guard. One day, she remarked, 'You're rich.' My initial instinct was to disagree, given my recent job instability and slightly above minimum wage salary. However, I paused, realizing she might be onto something. Despite financial limitations, I possessed an abundance of other forms (maybe).

 

 

WHEN THINGS GET DIFFICULT, ORDINARY BECOMES RITUAL

My note: Daily routines such as showering may seem automatic, until they become challenging. Suddenly, you realize the necessity of breaking down these seemingly mundane tasks into distinct steps, almost like a ritual that requires careful attention and memory.

 

 

LETS HAVE FUN AND FORGET THE SORROWS

I'M FLYING, WOO-HOO!

My note: I miss her dearly.
I once heard that people with dementia often find more joy because they easily forget their troubles, but I guess her bright sense of humor and youthful spirit stem from her innate kindness instead.

I WILL TELL YOU MY STORY, OVER AND OVER

My note: Chatting with my clients is the most important part of my job. Afterall, how do I tell my own story? Who I am? Why I am here? And perhaps most importantly, how do I affirm that my life, filled with countless unremarkable days and nights, has been fulfilling?