Amy W.

I became a family caregiver when my grandmother became ill and was no longer able to care for herself. My father was also under my care for some time but now resides in a wonderful ALF which is better suited for his needs. For approx 4 yrs I assisted my employer's mother with the duties I have listed until she passed. I do not have the college training, but as a former funeral director (a college-degreed position) I've seen how meaningless formal training can be when I had to enter a nursing home for business purposes. A piece of paper with your name on it does not make a person a good caregiver. It comes from the heart. What I enjoy most about being a caregiver is helping people. None of us think we will ever be there, but if I ever am, I hope to have a compassionate person to help me feel less helpless. My greatest achievement is my beautiful daughter. She served 8 years in the USAF, served in Iraq, and will soon enter optometry school. As for myself - I am 52 yrs old, active and athletic, adventurous and outgoing with a great sense of humor. I currently work part-time with Tue, Thur, Sat & Sun off. My background check is complete; in addition, I have had an extensive FBI check (yrs ago), U.S. Gov't fingerprint/check in 2014, and U.S. Gov't check for Known Traveler # in 2015.

I became a caregiver because I love helping people. Assisting others in their recuperation brings me great satisfaction. I I enjoy getting to know my patients and their families. One of my proudest personal achievements is coming to a new country and being able to assimilate and become a productive member of this culture. I am a mother of 3 children with 5 grandchildren. In my spare time I spend time in my grandchildren and often work in my garden. I also spend a lot of my free time fishing in the Tampa Bay area.