Falkashia S.

Hello, My name is Benta Russell. I began my personal-care career with Synod Residential Service, in August 2013. I have always done personal-care work since I was a young girl. Growing up in Kenya, it was my responsibility to care for my family's elderly. Every day I would take care of my grandparents by fetching them water from the river, cooking their meals. I also did their laundry, cleaned their dishes, and house. One of the many things I have learned throughout the years is that it is very important to be patient and understanding when providing aid to an individual. All the people I have helped have had different strengths and weaknesses, and as the personal-aide, it was my responsibility to understand this in order to adapt to the individual's needs. What I enjoy most about being a caregiver is developing a relationship with the client. As the relationship grows it becomes more than a job and is like finding a new friend. This is important to me because it makes the work that much more enjoyable for both the client and myself. My greatest achievement so far was getting my degree from Washtenaw Community College. There were many days and nights when I wanted to throw my textbooks in the garbage and walk away from school, but I didn't do that. I stuck it through to the end and am very proud to have earned my degree.

I am a retired LOSS PREVENTION SPECIALIST who gave up my career to help care for my mom who was sick for years . After she passed away I realized this was my calling,took a CNA course at age 50 and became a personal companion/caregiver for an elderly women. Her family had employed me for 5 years,full time until she died at age 94 in 2016. I then started working thru Visiting Angels and I also remain at Brighton Gardens as a receptionist,the facility where my longterm client had lived. I fully believe each client I have is always treated just the way I would want my own Mother or Father to be treated,with respect and dignity.