Shakkira J.

Making a difference in people's lives has been a passion of mine. My family owned a Nursing Home/Home for the Aged for 36 years. This is were my passion for taken care of people was instilled in me. I worked as a caregiver, cook and handled recreation programs for our residents. Throughout the years I worked for Connecticut Hospice, The Alzheimer's Resource Center, and as a Private Caregiver for children and adults. I had the honor of caring for my Dad and both my Grandmother who all had Alzheimer's. There are many types of Dementia. Training and knowledge is important to understanding the needs of your love ones and clients you care for. This past December I completed training courses for The National Caregiver Certification Program, Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia and 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's. These certification courses provided me with new ways to communicate with Dementia clients. I make sure the things that are most important to my client are done every shift. This is achieved by asking your priorities, then once they're completed if time allows I do my best to tackle the non-priorities. Compassionate, reliable, punctual, treating everyone with dignity and respect are values I live by.

I became a caregiver because I love caring for others and I like knowing that I made a difference in someone's life. I am very proud of myself for becoming independent. I am very friendly, honest, a people person, and I am always smiling, even on my worst days. I have a great sense of humor and I also love anticipating the needs of others.