The Heart of Care: A Glimpse into Lindsey’s Journey as a Pacific Islander Caregiver

Caregiving is one of the most challenging yet rewarding professions in the world. For Pacific Islanders, especially those living abroad, it carries deep cultural significance. In many Pacific Island communities, caring for elders is not just a job—it’s a calling, a natural extension of familial duties rooted in love and respect. Lindsey, a caregiver with over 20 years of experience, embodies this sense of responsibility. Her journey, from her humble beginnings in Tonga to her role as a caregiver in the United States, offers a glimpse into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Pacific Island caregivers.

Lindsey Pomee in her home in California. 

From Machine Operator to Caregiver: A Life Reimagined

Lindsey's story begins far from the world of caregiving. Born in Tonga, she moved to New Zealand at the age of 16 when her father, a dedicated teacher for 36 years, retired. Growing up in a family that valued education and hard work, Lindsey first embarked on a career as a machine operator. For 16 years, she worked in a New Zealand factory, manufacturing products like paper cups and plates for major fast-food chains.

Lindsey Pomee with her first born in New Zealand. 

But life had other plans for Lindsey. In 1999, she moved to the United States and began her caregiving journey—completely unplanned. Her introduction to caregiving came when she was asked to temporarily assist a client. Lindsey's first experience was anything but easy. She recalls trying to help an elderly woman, who, confused by her condition, responded by slapping Lindsey across the face. Rather than feeling discouraged, Lindsey’s compassion deepened. She realized that the woman’s actions were not personal, but a symptom of her illness. In that moment, Lindsey knew she had the heart for this work.

A Caregiver's Journey: Challenges and Triumphs

Caregiving, especially for elderly clients, can be physically and emotionally demanding. For Lindsey, however, the challenges have only strengthened her resolve. Like many Pacific Islanders, Lindsey grew up in a culture where elders are revered and cared for with unwavering dedication. This cultural upbringing helped her embrace the complexities of caregiving with patience and love.

One of the toughest aspects of caregiving, as Lindsey shares, is balancing the emotional toll. Living with her clients and being responsible for their day-to-day care can be draining. Some days are particularly tough, especially when clients, due to age or illness, react negatively or express frustration. However, Lindsey approaches each situation with compassion, understanding that much of their behavior stems from fear or confusion.

She recalls how she has been blessed to learn from the elders she cares for. One couple, a lawyer named Bob Lewis and his wife Betty, treated Lindsey as if she were one of their own children. Their kindness and generosity left a lasting impression on her, shaping her philosophy of caregiving as more than just a job—it became an extension of the family.

Pacific Islander Values: Love, Respect, and Faith

For Lindsey and many other Pacific Islander caregivers, the values of love, respect, and spirituality are the foundations of their caregiving roles. Pacific Island cultures emphasize a deep sense of duty towards family and community. Elders are considered the cornerstone of the family unit, and caring for them is an honor. This cultural ethos often makes caregiving feel natural to Pacific Islanders living abroad, like Lindsey, who consider it an extension of what they were raised to do for their own families.

Lindsey’s Catholic faith also plays an important role in her resilience. She carries a rosary with her, a source of strength and comfort during long days. For her, faith is not just about spirituality but also about finding purpose in the work she does. She believes that caregiving is more than a profession; it’s an opportunity to show kindness, compassion, and love to those who need it most.

Lindsey with some of her grandchildren.

The Rewards of Caregiving

While caregiving is undoubtedly challenging, Lindsey finds joy in her work. She says that she has learned a lot from her clients over the years, gaining insight into how they lived and grew up, and hearing stories of times gone by. These experiences have enriched her life and deepened her connection to her clients, transforming her role from a caregiver into something more akin to a family member.

One of the greatest rewards for Lindsey is knowing that she is making a difference in people’s lives. She often reflects on how her actions bring comfort to those she cares for, especially when clients are at their most vulnerable. As she puts it, caregiving feels like taking care of her second set of parents. This personal investment in the well-being of her clients is what keeps Lindsey going, even on the hardest days.

The Challenges Ahead and the Future of Caregiving

Despite the rewards, Lindsey acknowledges that caregiving is not without its challenges. As the elderly population grows, the demand for caregivers continues to rise. However, caregiving remains an undervalued and underpaid profession in many parts of the world, including the United States. Lindsey hopes to see greater recognition and support for caregivers in the future, both in terms of fair compensation and emotional support.

Lindsey’s story also sheds light on the unique challenges faced by immigrant caregivers. Many Pacific Islanders, like Lindsey, move abroad in search of better opportunities, often taking on caregiving roles because of their innate ability to care for others. Yet, they often face emotional challenges, being separated from their families back home. In Lindsey’s case, while she has built a life in the U.S. with her husband and children, much of her family remains in New Zealand, including her 93-year-old mother.

Lindsey with her beloved husband.

The Heart of a Caregiver

Lindsey’s life as a caregiver is one of resilience, love, and sacrifice. Her journey reflects the experience of many Pacific Islanders who bring their cultural values to the caregiving profession, providing care with a sense of family and respect. It’s a demanding role, but one that Lindsey embraces with a big heart and a deep sense of purpose.

 As we consider the future of caregiving, Lindsey’s story reminds us of the critical role caregivers play in society. They are the unsung heroes who provide comfort and dignity to the elderly, often at great personal sacrifice. Their work is not just about tasks—it’s about making a difference in someone’s life, every single day.

For Lindsey, caregiving is not just a job—it’s a calling, rooted in love and fueled by the values she was raised with. It’s a reflection of the Pacific Islander spirit: a community bound by love, respect, and the belief that caring for others is a privilege, not a burden.