Dementia Caregivers in Canones - 3 caregivers found

I am every responsible and caring and loving

I have been in the healthcare field for about 6 years. I recently graduated from Northern New Mexico College Nursing program. I have a compassion for caring and helping individuals that are in need. I'm enthusiastic about learning and love a sense of humor! The healthcare field is just for me.

My first experience as a caregiver came just after high school when I was hired as a nurse aide at the Med Unit at El Castillo Retirement Community in Santa Fe, NM, where I cared for the elderly that were needing more than normal care. I did this for the Summer before college. It gave me a sense of pride in caring for these vulnerable seniors. I did everything required of me from diaper changes, to tube feedings, grooming, changing clothes, toileting, companionship, blood pressure readings, etc. Years later, I helped with the caregiving for my grandma of 96-years. I helped take her to the hairdresser every Friday, did the shopping and helped her bathe, and comb. I helped her brush her dentures. I eventually helped her to transfer her to the commode and back to her chair, and back to her recliner. I was mainly there from about 4:30 pm until about 8:30am once a week. She was an amazing person, right up to the end. My next caregiving task was brief, but very enlightening. I would become a companion for an aunt who developed dementia/Alzheimer's and progressed rather rapidly and although an effort was made to have her at home, she too, became a resident at Sierra Vista for memory care. I attended an Alzheimer's class (an overview) at that time. Witnessing her progression was very hard, but also experiential. About 3 years ago, I attended an Alzheimer Caregiver course (lengthy, about 6-8 sessions if I remember correctly). This was due to my Dad having dementia that was progressing. His progression has been somewhat slow, and he is mostly being helped (meals, hygiene, companionship, etc.) by other family members. I find fulfilment in caregiving. I am touched by the person(s) I care for, and I hope also to touch theirs also!