Debra O.

Greetings! I am Mary Van Gorp, I am fun loving, energetic, compassionate, caring person who is a believer in a compassionate savior. I have been a caregiver with 6 + years experience with a dear lady that had Alzheimers. I loved caring for her in her daughters home. Where I was able to minister to her. Take her for rides and walks two to three times per day. I prepared breakfast and lunch for Kathleen. Helped bath her and get her dressed for the day. I was able to give Kathleen all my attention, and all the attention she deserved because she was in her daughters home. I became part of the family. Once a month I would stay for 4 days & nights so the family could have a break. By caregiving Kathleen in her daughters home I was able to practice my Nutritional Health coaching skills. Like giving Kathleen her medication. I also added supplements she was missing. I also improved her diet and fluid intake which stoped the UTI's which was an ongoing problem when I started taking care of her. All this was documented on a time chart that was filled out daily. Giving feed back to daughter on her mothers health and behavior through the day. Toward the end I transitioned to hospice care of Kathleen before I had to leave her care because we moved from the area. I moved from Kansas to Jacksonville 18 months ago. I loved caring for Kathleen and helping her connect with her past. She loved to dance so I would play the big band music and we would dance around the house. It kept her moving and I tried to keep her mind engaged. My goal was to make her last days as pleasant for her and her family as possible while she was in my care. My goal in caregiving is to give my next family pleasant and personal care.

I have always considered myself an old soul and find it a privilege to be in the company of and care for our older generations. My grandfather was my best friend growing up and I had the privilege of assisting in his care the last few years of life. I am a single mother to two young boys and attempt to work primarily while they are in school for half days. I do have some flexibility as my own mother lives locally and enjoys helping out with them.