Senior caretaker continues to feel youthful through work

Published 9:00 am Thursday, April 28, 2016

Carolyn Geyman is considered a senior, but you might not guess it.

For the past 14 years, Geyman has dedicated herself to working with the elderly as a caretaker.

She grew up in Wenatchee. After graduating from high school, Geyman decided to move to Seattle where the money was a bit better. She took an office job and felt like it was the perfect career choice for her.

When her son was just 10 days old, she moved to her home in Federal Way. She has resided in the area for 48 years now.

“When we moved here in ’68, Federal Way was just the end of the world,” Geyman said. “I’ve seen a lot of changes. You could see over in the distance and it was a farmhouse out in the middle of nothing. Now, you’ve got everything you need here. You don’t need to go anywhere else. Of course, it’s home now.”

Fourteen years ago, her life changed after she saw an ad for Comfort Keepers in a newspaper. Though she’d always envisioned herself working in an office, she believed it was something she would enjoy. She interviewed with the company, but they told her they didn’t have any work for her and would call her when they did.

They called the next day and asked if she could start two hours later.

The first couple she cared for passed away within her first year on the job, but Geyman says that, to this day, she still receives a Christmas card from the family who was grateful for her work.

“I’ve always enjoyed older people,” Geyman said. “I think they’re interesting. You can learn so much from them and, surprisingly, they’re a kick. Lots of times they’re funny. I like to listen to them.”

Geyman has enjoyed learning about the many things those she works with have done in their lives. She particularly enjoys stories about their travels to different locales. She’s met people who have worked in all types of fields such as medicine, education, military, etc.

She may not be riding her motorcycle like she did years ago, but that hasn’t stopped her from being lively as ever. Just this week, Geyman took advantage of the sunshine and completed some work on her fence.

“I like to work outside,” Geyman said. “I do enjoy that a lot. I like traveling. Nothing elaborate, but day trips. I love going to the ocean.”

Hearing how appreciative those she works with have been has also kept Geyman coming back. Though she may not work as many hours as she used to, she has no plans to stop working any time soon.

“I don’t consider myself old,” Geyman said. “I can’t imagine what I would be doing if I wasn’t working. That doesn’t appeal to me yet.

“If you can, and you enjoy it, and you want to, what’s the problem? No problem for me.”