Lorena C.

Hi, I'm Tocora the qualities I possess that helps me to be a great care giver is that I'm very compassionate, patient, attentive, and a team player. I'm great at communicating and definitely problem solving. I'm also very dependable and optimistic! What attracted me to caregiving was my mother, ever since I was old enough to remember I would go with my mother who is currently a CNA to her job and I fell in love with her passion of caring for everyone. Everyone loves my mother because she's great at what she does and I've always inspired to be like her. What I enjoy most about caregiving is the help that I am giving to those in need! I believe that helping people is a calling for me and it brings me great joy! My personal achievement I'm proud of is the big move that I made to California. It was hard to move away from family but I did it to better my future and I'm very proud of it!

I try to stay positive & upbeat with my patients; it is hard being an isolated senior in our busy society., especially during Covid lockdown. With some I have been able to take them out for lunch, to a park or museum. I just spent 10 days looking after my 96 year old mother in Michigan so my two sister's could travel. I work well with Hospice staff, PT & OT. I am a good cook & like to shop and prepare healthy, good tasting meals, maintain a clean house!I am dependable! I started Caregiving in 2012, after completing my BA in Liberal Studies emphasis Psychology at Antioch University in Santa Barbara. I also have an AS in Art & Graphic Communication. I have also been an artist for many years. It doesn't always cover the bills, but I still do it because I love art. While at Antioch U, I strongly considered going on to attain a Master's in Art Therapy but by the time I graduated I had developed type II Diabetes. I received college credit for implementing & facilitating art at several day programs in Santa Barbara county. I moved down to San Diego to be closer to my son's in the Irvine & Buena Park area. I took a live in care job in San Diego and really love this beautiful area! When I first moved to Santa Barbara in 1973 I was employed as a nurse's aide at several hospitals and care facilities. I enjoy working with seniors. I am proud of raising my two sons into fine young men. I have been on a number of mission trips to serve in Mexico, Costa Rica and Uganda. I have a strong faith in God.