Camelie S.

Good communication skills, patience and kindness. My culture is very family oriented and I grew up watching and helping to take care of my grandma at a young age so it comes natural to me. I enjoy putting a smile on my patients faces. I would describe myself an open honest person.

I'm patient, friendly, calm, comforting, and most importantly, caring. I decided to retrain and work towards a career in elderly care, hospice care support, and end of life care after taking care of my great aunt when she was placed in hospice at 85 years old. I became her live-in caregiver until she passed away. My aunt never married nor did she have children. This made me think about other people in her position that perhaps did not have someone to support them or caregivers in a similar situation that might need help. My previous work life was in the biological sciences, which has been helpful towards gaining the certifications and trainings that I need for this line of work. I am a certified Home Health Aide (HHA) and am currently awaiting my state board exam date to become a licensed CNA (Certified Nurse Assistant). I plan to continue my studies and work towards an LPN degree. I have also recently become a certified End of Life Care Worker (Death Doula). This means that I am able to help clients draft their own "living will" (advanced care directives) and support them towards their end of life transition, including helping them to make difficult decisions in the now rather than leaving it to their families during a time of grieving. I enjoy taking care of people, advocating for them, and making sure they feel comforted and validated in their choices. I was raised in a family where elderly people live(d) well into their 90s and 100s, and growing up around my elders, I learned to respect and appreciate them. I'm proud that I have taken the steps to work towards a career like this one, and I hope to be able to support the elderly community and their families. Lastly, I am comfortable with all types of people; thus, I am also LGBTQIA+ elderly aware/supportive and plant-based diet friendly. Thank you for your time and consideration. Kind regards, Julia