Beth Wangari is a registered nurse who works at Century Homecare in Worcester.
Q: How did you get into this field?
A: My grandmother had diabetes, hypertension and, later, Alzheimer’s. She received a lot of support from wonderful nurses and managed her disease for years.
Q: What’s your favorite aspect of the work you do?
A: Empowering the patient to be an active participant in their health-care decisions and take charge by educating themselves by (asking questions) and holding caregivers accountable.
Q: What’s your biggest challenge?
A: Knowing that poverty affects all aspects of health. Holistic care is challenging when patients cannot afford basic necessities.
Q: How has your field changed during your career?
A: Shorter hospital stays (are leading) to more patients who need acute and long-term nursing care at home.
Q: What’s the best advice you give to patients seeking home care?
A: There’s no shame in getting help, and they should expect the highest level of professionalism and services from employees who are guests in their home.
