Laura B.

I have a BA degree in psychology and over 15 years experience in life span development, planning and care. I have spent much of my career working as a manager or administrator but I have found that I prefer working directly with the people I serve. I have since 2014, devoted my energy exclusively toward direct care. I have a strong work ethic, I am not afraid of long days and I am fond of starting and ending those days with a smile and a good attitude. I should also mention I have unique experiences for a lay caregiver. I have 5-10 years doing (in no particular order) g-tube feedings, using hoyer lifts, giving bed baths and showers safely, completing needs assessments, writing formal and informal goals, medication administration, attending doctors appointments, tracheotomy care, positioning for non-ambulatory or movement limited individuals, taking vitals, feeding individuals with dysphagia, preparing and cooking meals to meet the requirements of a mechanically specific diet (puree, mechanical soft, thickened liquids), and more. I really like caring for people and getting to know their particular style and personality. I have always enjoyed working with people with intellectual struggles and physical disabilities. On a more recreational side, I love to sing and if the people I care for like it, I will sing whenever it makes them happy (although I am not beyond using it to reward a good job eating at a meal or completing a difficult task!). I can be goofy or stoic depending on what works for the individuals I serve. Sometimes both if warranted. I am an avid student of motivational psychology and I am always up to the challenge of motivating others to do things that are safe and healthy.

I have given a lifetime of assistance (professionally since 2005) to my intellectually challenged (mentally retardation from PKU) sister of 55 years. Her physical handicaps are that she needs a leg brace and a knee brace to walk and sometimes uses a cane or a walker depending on how she is feeling. Her emotional and intellectual handicaps are that of a 6 year old child. I also gave care to my deceased parents. My mother had alzheimer's, COPD, and diabetes. My father was 25 years in a wheelchair from an accident that left him paralyzed from the knees down. He also had COPD, diabetes and drop-foot. Along with my family, I have assisted many other elder persons in our community to include dispensing of medicines, massaging, cooking and cleaning, bathing, feeding, wound care, transportation to and from doctor appointments, and other services. I am a senior at Indiana University in Liberal Arts General Studies Arts & Humanities, with a minor in Fine Arts. I am a well rounded individual who enjoys traveling, new people, new challenges and all aspects of life. I proudly served in the US Army as an administrative specialist and a training NCO in the 25th Infantry Division, Schofield Barracks (25th Combat Aviation Battalion, Wheeler AFB) from 1979-1985 in Honolulu, HI. I am positive and believe in the good in myself and in others. People trust me. I'm happy in whatever I am doing.