Shirley K.

I worked with 5 nurses and 1 doctor for 10 years, then went on my own for 13 years and am still working. I tended to Hospice patients and their families. Personal care and whatever family needed done . Changed linen, did hair, shaved men. My patients were rejuvenated after care. I never let one patientlose their dignity. This care gives me purpose in my life. It has taught me to live life well and take nothing for granted. My work is my life. I just love careing for people, and di any errands for family or let them know they could go run errands while I am taking care of their loved ones. It gave them a much needed break and knowing their loved ones are in good hands with me. I am a Clinton native and everyone knows me. I also saw patients in surrounding areas and Illinoise. Would love to teach Hospice care to aides. What I do you cannot learn in a book. I have so much knowledge, if I dont do alot of Hospuce I would love to have new aides carry on my knowledge and use it as they work. I dont care too much about pay, I just want to work in some capacity in Hospice. Thank you for a chance to make a difference in peoples life, and I know without a doubt.

I decided I wanted to be a caregiver when my grandma got dementia and needed help with everything. I would check in on her every other day until my Aunt moved her out of town and put her in a nursing home. Wasn't happy with the care she was receiving and knew I'm more caring and generous than them. I'm understanding and a hard worker. I let my CNA expire but still graduated for it with good grades. I only left Barbs because she died unfortunately. I was sad and upset with the other caregivers because they did not seem to care and talked down to her. But over the last few yrs we have a house directly across the street for brain damaged residents and today I just took one some bday presents and rubbed a cramp out of anothers leg so I wanted to go back to doing it. I'm involved with bible study to better myself and just got cleared as after 2 yrs of blood clots in my brain. I enjoy helping people when I'm capable as and have always gotten along with the elderly. They make me smile with their stories and appreciation. My personal achievement I'm most proud of is that I've been sober since 2008. I worked at a bar and was easily persuaded to stay and drink and got me into trouble. I hope you can see past that because I am a good, loyal, caring, generous, hard working individual.