Tonya R.

1 What makes you a great caregiver? I'd leave it to others to rate me as a caregiver: my clients, former clients, client's family members. I'd only say that competence, personal integrity and humility (serving and putting others first) are core to the kind of person I endeavor to be in THIS LIFE. 2 Why did you become a caregiver? I became a caregiver because I love ALL peoples, and serving is the best way to demonstrate sincere love, love as defined by N.T. writers This Douglas Adams quote says it best: "To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity." 3. What do you like about being a Caregiver? I'm gratified when the care I provide exactly meets the client's needs and allows family members to confidently have a guilt-free break from the care of an aging, ill, or disabled family member. (There are two in my family) 4. What is a personal achievement you are proud of? -I was picked to be on a team assembled to care for a quadriplegic client. I had the privilege of providing her professional home healthcare: meal preps, tub baths, light housekeeping, from bed to chair transfers, (without HoyerLift) She also required a colostomy bag and urinary catheter care. -I'm also proud to have been selected, from a relatively large number of candidates, to assist a family dedicated to the care of a loved one severely disabled by Autism. -Most recently, I enjoyed the privilege of helping to provide 24-hour care for a SECOND quadriplegic client: a large male, requiring assistance with no HoyerLift transfers, tub baths, lots of passive ROM & OT prescribed exercises, scheduled repositioning while asleep, and more -I once successfully self-prepared at home for a proctored Microsoft exam. -Self-instructed, I can speak some Spanish and some Mandarin Chinese. 5. Tell us something about yourself. Grandfather of 4 -lifelong Bible student -love: Gospel hymns, animals, plants, walks, ping pong, audiobooks.

My mother was on dialysis for more than 10 years and I have an older sister who is disabled. Before my mother died, I was the primary, live-in caregiver for her and my sister. Caring for them prepared me for working as a CNA. I have worked in skilled nursing facilities, senior living residences and in private homes to serve senior citizens, people in memory care and disabled people of different ages. I enjoy being a caregiver and a companion to my clients and being someone their family members can trust and rely on in their time of need.