Kristal H.

I am a caregiver because I enjoy helping Seniors feel good about themselves in their every day lives. I thrive working in harmonious environments and create them with patience and consideration. Being a caregiver is almost like being an extension of the Senior by assisting with basic day-to-day needs we take for granted like dressing, walking, eating, running errands, medication management and more. The joy working as a caregiver is being able to provide the type of assistance that will help a senior to keep his or her treasured independence for as long as possible. I understand the importance of living at home amongst familiarity and comfort along with personal dignity. I am most proud of building friendships and being the kind of companion that truly appreciates and respects Seniors day-to-day desires and needs. It's about making the person feel his or her best! I have worked as a Caregiver since 2010. I have worked in facilities with 80 to 350 residents. I've worked on the assisted living floors, memory care units and with Hospice patients. I've worked as a Med Aide giving vitamins, medications, narcotics and insulin injections. I have provided assistance with obtaining vitals, catheter care and oxygen tanks. It's quality of life that counts the most and I believe in giving to seniors quality care which they more than deserve. I also believe that what goes around comes around and I will be a senior needing care one day and I will want quality care too.

I became a caregiver, because I love taking care of the senior population. I feel a connection between the client and the caregiver should always be professional, and not to be a friend, but to have a friendly relationship. I enjoy being a caregiver, because it gives me something to be proud of to work with our most vulnerable people, and to give the family some relief in knowing that their loved one is taken care of. My proudest moment was when I graduated from PCC with a degree in Gerontology with a focus on Advanced Behavioral and Cognitive Care certificate. I also am following that with a bachelors degree in community health education and aging services at Portland State. I have been married for almost 14 years, and have no children, so I am free to do any shifts that are available.