Celebrating Unsung Heroes: The Life of Ramma Mohammed, Home Health Care Provider
By: Fatmeh Bakhit | Al Enteshar Newspaper
In the golden hues of a California morning, Ramma Mohammed prepares for her day. At 35 years old, this Arab American woman has dedicated over five years to in-house home support care—a vocation born out of necessity but fueled by deep compassion. Her story and the broader narrative of home health care providers weave through the very fabric of society, serving as the backbone for those who need it most: older adults and people with disabilities.
The Day-to-Day: Challenges and Rewards
Every day, Ramma steps into the homes of her clients, each visit beginning with a warm greeting that belies the myriad challenges she faces. Home health care is not just about medical support; it’s about building relationships, offering emotional comfort, and enhancing the quality of life for her clients. Her role varies widely—from administering medication to helping with daily chores, and from managing chronic conditions to providing company.
“The physical and emotional toll is real, but so is the joy of making a difference in someone’s life,” Ramma explains, reflecting on her daily experiences.
Motivation Behind the Service
Ramma’s motivation stems from a personal place. Having witnessed the struggles of her own aging relatives, she felt a calling to ensure that others wouldn’t have to endure similar hardships alone. This personal connection fuels her daily perseverance and her empathetic approach to care. For Ramma, and many caregivers, the job is more than a list of tasks—it’s an opportunity to make a tangible difference in someone’s life.
“I was drawn to this work because of my family. It feels like I’m extending the care I wished my grandparents had,” says Ramma.
Perception and Impact
How is Ramma viewed by those she helps? To her clients, she is often seen as a lifeline, a source of stability and compassion in their most vulnerable moments. Her presence is comforting, her care invaluable. But the perception does not end there. In the broader scope, home health care workers often remain unsung heroes. Their essential contributions to individual lives and the community often go unnoticed by the larger public.
“My clients see me as part of their family, and that’s a big responsibility,” Ramma notes. “Outside, not everyone understands the scope of what we do.”
Within her own family and the Arab American community, Ramma’s choice of career has mixed receptions. Traditionally, caregiving within these contexts is viewed as a familial obligation, undertaken without expectation of pay or professional recognition. However, as Ramma and many like her professionalize this role, perceptions are gradually shifting. The understanding and appreciation of professional caregiving as a vital and skilled service are beginning to take root.
The Historical and Cultural Context
The history of home health care in the United States reveals a slow but steady recognition of these workers’ vital role. Initially informal and unrecognized, the sector has evolved, particularly as the population ages. By 2030, one in four Californians will be older adults or individuals with disabilities, highlighting the growing demand for skilled caregivers like Ramma.
“In our community, caring for the elderly was always expected to be a family’s duty. Now, we’re starting to see it as a professional and essential service,” Ramma comments on the evolving cultural perspective.
Advocating for Recognition and Support
The role of caregivers like Ramma is critical, yet their contributions often go unrecognized in broader societal narratives. Without a formal platform, the responsibility to advocate for recognition and support falls on the community and healthcare leaders. Highlighting Ramma’s contributions is essential not only for the appreciation she deserves but also as a means to enhance the overall recognition of all home health care workers.
“We need to talk more about what we do and why it matters—not just for us, but for society as a whole,” Ramma insists, advocating for greater awareness and support.
Expanding the Narrative
As the narrative around home health care evolves, it becomes crucial to incorporate the diverse experiences and backgrounds of caregivers into public discourse. Ramma’s story sheds light on the unique challenges faced by caregivers who come from culturally rich backgrounds. These caregivers bring a blend of traditional and modern caregiving methods that enrich their practice but may also present unique challenges in terms of integration and acceptance both within their communities and the broader healthcare system.
“Blending my cultural heritage with modern caregiving practices gives me a unique perspective that I bring to my work every day,” Ramma shares, highlighting the enrichment that diversity brings to her profession.
Conclusion
As California prepares to meet the needs of a growing demographic of older adults and people with disabilities, recognizing and supporting caregivers like Ramma Mohammed is not just beneficial—it’s imperative. Through her story, there lies a potential to transform public perception and policy, ensuring that these caregivers are celebrated not just as workers, but as foundational pillars of healthcare and community support. Ramma concludes, “It’s about dignity—for my clients and for my profession. We are here to care, and that matters.”
Calgrows State Program
Calgrows is a state program that allows home health workers, the backbone of California health care, to earn up to $6,000 for learning and using new skills. However, time is running out for caregivers to sign up, as the program ends in August. Caregivers can sign up for the program online at calgrows.org, by phone at (888) 991-7234 or by email at help@calgrows.org.
