Flo W.

Daughter: Karen J. Companion type duties: Kept her company; helped get her things she needed so she didn't have to get up and down. Most of my shifts was overnight so I would make sure she had bed time medications, have her water handy, gave her a light snack, undo her bed, and help her be more comfortable with her restless legs, sore shoulder, or other chronic situations. Get up during the night if she does-make sure she's ok and not falling.

Assisted as Companion-Caregiver to Clients needing varied types of care, all with Alzheimer's. Essentially preparing meals, personal grooming-dressing; taking clients for walk, light housekeeping. Reminding-dispensing meds to clients before or after meals.

Temporary position at Board n Care. As patients woke up, helped with personal grooming, get ready for day, prepare breakfast and 2 other meals for the day depending on length of my shift. Would remind patients of meds with meals. Assess what groceries we were close to being out of-make grocery list. Fix beds, light housekeeping. There were 3 residents at this Board and Care Home.

Daughter -Janine P. Dates above may not be accurate. Fulfilled role as Caregiver/Companion in following duties: Prepared, cooked and served 3 meals/day. Dispensed medications and made sure she was well hydrated through the day. Transferred her from bed to wheelchair, to commode or favorite chair. Would sponge bathe her and assist with dressing and grooming her for the day, and prepare her for bedtime also. Would take her B/S readings, and gave oral medication as required. In last few months of her life- took B/P readings with an auto-inflated cuff. Since she was a stroke victim, I had helped her with learning speech skills as prepared for her by family and rehab services. Would read to her or listened to her beautiful collection of music with her or comment on movies we'd watch together. Performed varied housecleaning duties, laundry and changing the bed. As with all caregiving jobs I applied patience, care and conscientiousness at all times, and would also take on extra chores or tasks. One of these projects was putting together a Caregivers Book of Information comprising of logging Activities, Medications, Food Intake, Provider Visits and Behavioral Observances. I also created a Family Legal, Medical, Informational Log Book for the family. Though one of the most challenging of caregiver jobs, it was very educational and gave me great experience. It was very rewarding in many ways.

Had been assigned to Heart Patient to prepare meals, do light housekeeping, remind about meds, Had helped two different Alzheimer patients, part time; did same tasks. One of them I had more time with and played a more integrated role in keeping her as agile, and happy about her daily life as possible- with walks, crafts, movies, errands and special mini day trips. Her name was Barbara and she was a delight to work with and enjoyed her great spirit and attitude.