Nursing Student Combines Studies with Part-Time Elder Care Role

Jake Benoit, 26, a master's student in nursing at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, works part-time caring for older adults. He is employed by Careyaya, an agency that matches young caregivers, including students, with clients needing assistance.

Benoit states that the role provides him with an income, ranging from $18 to $26 per hour, while also allowing him to form significant relationships with his clients. He views the arrangement as an "intergenerational win-win."

Among his first clients was John, a 96-year-old retired ophthalmologist. Benoit reported that John was curious and willing to share his experiences. Despite their age difference, Benoit considered John a close friend. Their activities included driving to church, sharing meals, discussing sermons, and playing card games like Uno. John had mild dementia, and Benoit utilized training from Careyaya to manage minor agitation through techniques such as playing music.

Benoit assisted John with daily tasks, including walking to the restroom, preparing snacks, and organizing pill containers. After John's death, his daughter expressed gratitude to Benoit in an email.

Benoit continues to care for other clients, including an 85-year-old author with moderate mobility issues, for whom he helps elevate her legs and ensures use of a compression device. They also watch classic films together. Another client is an 86-year-old former U.S. ambassador to the Middle East, with whom Benoit reads and discusses his memoirs, which he states helps the client sustain longer trains of thought.

Benoit attributes some of his motivation to his mother, an occupational therapist, whose dedication to helping clients recover daily living skills left a lasting impression on him. He plans to become a nurse practitioner after completing his studies.

According to Business Insider, this story is based on an interview with Jake Benoit.