TORRANCE, Calif. — While it has created some barriers, the pandemic didn’t stop caregivers like Julia Harris from taking care of 94-year-old James Pearce, who depends on her.

“I enjoy it because I look at the care that I give him, and I see that he really need it,” Pearce said.

For the last two years, Harris has been Pearce’s main caregiver. When the pandemic began, she had to make a choice to either stay home and protect her own health, or push past her pandemic fears and continue to take care of Pearce when he needed it most. Despite her initial worries, all Harris could think about was: Who would take care of him?

“It crosses my mind that I am putting myself in risk because I have to take him out to the doctor’s office," Harris said. "He needs groceries every week, so I have to take him to the grocery store. I got to pick up his medication. But I look beyond that."

Caregivers with Arosa+LivHOME and throughout the industry have had to make similar decisions on whether they could safely care for their clients. For Harris, she found some comfort by providing care with a mask, sanitizing her hands often, and limiting her contact with others. These precautions help Harris feel safer when she spends time with Pearce. It’s an experience she described as rewarding.

“For me to see that I’m the only one he has and he look forward to seeing me, that give me a joy just to come here,” said Harris.

With patience, extra care, and precautions, Harris is determined to be there for Pearce every step of the way, in hopes of getting through this pandemic together.