Chris’Shawnda J.

I was a Librarian back in the Philippines but when I came to the US in 2006, my friend encouraged me to try working with the elderly as a caregiver. Since then, I have been working as a caregiver and I developed the love and passion in taking care of the elderly. I have experience in taking care.of elderly with different health issues such as Alzheimers, Dementia, diabetis, heart diseases (ie. CHF), Lung or respiratory disease, stroke, cancer, hospice, etc. I assist my residents with their activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, walking, exercising, etc.. I also do meal preparation , laundry, light housekeeping and medication reminder. I can also assist my Residents with their errands and bring them to their doctor's appointments. I am not only a caregiver to to my Residents but I am also a companion, a friend, a confidant whom they could trust and depend on. I am a responsible person,, loyal and reliable. I stay with my Residents until they terminate my employment. I am proud of being a caregiver because I know I make a difference in the lives of my Residents and I am grateful that most of my Residents that I have taken cared of, including their families, trusted me to be part of the last journey of their lives. My nationality is Filipino and we are known to be the best in caregiving, especially to the elderly.

1.) What makes me a great caregiver? First, I have empathy & compassion working with client in a home care setting. I feel the desire to want to help. Knowing the care about the client & want to do what they can to help them. Secondly, full of patience & understanding. Third, reliable & dependable, can be counted on. Fourth, trustworthy, working & giving care 24/7 or being invited to be in their home, near to their valuables & being trusted to keep client's information confidential. Fifth, flexible. Unexpected events can happen, always prepared to go with the flow, be able to continue to provide good home care, even if a rigid schedule isn't being followed. 2.) Why did I become a caregiver? Since in my very young age I have always been interested in spending time with older people. I love to help & make people smile. I completed my Graduate in Nursing course in 1976 & Post Graduated in Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1978 & had my Masters in 2007. It was at that point that I realized that caring for people, especially the elderly was my calling. 3.) What is my personal achievement that I am proud of? Actually, my biggest achievement in life was yet to come. I am always looking to achieve more tomorrow than I did today &;was striving to improve myself all the time.