Shayna Z.

I originally relocated to Santa Fe with my husband in 2007. It was part pre-retirement and also to move closer to his aging mother. I tried out a career with the TSA, but ultimately found it unrewarding. I changed careers 2 years ago to help an elderly friend. She is on a State Medicaid waiver, and had been unable to find a good fit through an agency. The agency caregivers where not allowed to care for her cat, so I came by to clean the cat box. She has no family, so a group of friends helped her get onto a self-directed waiver. I had found that working with elderly and disabled passengers was the most rewarding part of the job I was working at the airport, and was ready for a change. I am particularly proud of the work I do with this fiercely independent lady. I make all her doctor's appointments and transport her, and make sure all the paperwork for her multiple public assistance programs is filled out correctly and submitted in a timely manner. We enjoy shopping trips and going out for lunch. Since then I have also worked doing respite care and housekeeping/handywoman jobs independently. My first private client was residing at an assisted living home, but was requiring more attention than her family or the staff could provide. She was advancing in her Parkinson's disease, becoming more confused and needing help with toileting and ambulation. I ultimately helped the family find an appropriate memory care home for her. My current Carelinx client lives out in the countryside, so I help with a lot of outdoor tasks like cleaning her horse's corral and gardening. I do a lot of driving, taking her into town for doctor's appointments, Horse Therapy and shopping. I do a lot of appointment setting, help her balance her checking account, order her meds and fill the pill boxes.

I have a passion in caring for the elderly. I became a caregiver several years ago. I began my journey when my partner's grandmother was diagnosed with Dementia & Parkinson's disease. I decided to alleviate the family from the day to day stresses that come along when your caring for a loved one.. Originally I had just volunteered. What I like about being a caregiver is: I enjoy helping people and it has taught me to not take life for granted. I feel fortunate and thankful for my health. This career by far has taught me to have compassion and how important it is for the family to feel secure with the care provided. I became a bondsman at a very young age and was then licensed as a solicitor for a bonding company. I had my own office at the age of eighteen. I always excel quickly in my positions. Just helping others makes me feel good about myself. Simply knowing I can brighten someone's day. My mother became very ill, and I ended up taking care of her. I know first hand how stressful it is on the family when your loved one is no longer able to function in day to day life. I think how would I want my mother to be cared for. She ended up passing. I grew to love everything about care giving. It really hits close to home and I know how I would want my family member treated if my mother was being cared for. I strive to maintain a positive attitude. Care giving is so much more than a job to me . It has helped me to be more grateful of life and people. I'm proud of the person I am and have became. I am a hard worker. I have integrity, compassion, I take pride in what I do. I'm an outgoing person, very kind ,dependable, hard working, self sufficient, quick learner and adaptable to any situation. I can assure you I am perfect for any position due my expertise, my knowledge, and my experience. I am cpr certified Mar certified and I have had years of training in this field.. If you have further questions please feel free to contact me.