Mary C.

I am an Optimal Aging caregiver \"Diamond Partner\" I charge $20-$25 an hour. I have a background check on hand. I started caring for my grandma, who had a stroke after my grandpa died. She needed help with pet care, reading, driving, cleaning up, cooking etc. Later I went to college and volunteered with a local senior care facility where I helped with personal and physical needs as well as companionship. I have worked with many Alzheimer and dementia clients as well as clients with physical and mental challenges. With my clients I have a patient and calm demeanor. Working with people to accomplish the things important to them is important to me. I love helping clients who need assistance to participate in art classes, gardening, museums, shopping and more. I have worked with people over the years who have different abilities, religions, personal preferences and ages. Each person is unique and I try to be respectful and honoring to them all. I am a licensed HCA with varied work experiences and references. I am available to work in the Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and Mercer Island areas.

A caregiver of seven years trained to handle a variety of health and behavioral situations, I am aware of the impulse of families to want to ensure the health and well-being of loved ones. The help may just call for daily living activities with extra touches that make life worthwhile: decent exercise, tasty healthy meals, a clean, pleasant environment, a good listener and conversationalist, and kind, competent care. Some situations, however, require attending to seemingly insignificant, but crucial tasks, such as reminders to drink enough liquids, to move body and limbs periodically to avoid pressure points and muscle atrophy. I believe my care is dispensed with respect, kindness, and purpose, mindful their need for such greater than ever. A general "How are you?" might be followed with a specific "Do you feel dizzy",; and too long a spell on the couch will suggest an exercise or outside to smell the roses. The idea, above all, is to provide for the well-being of body and soul. A wise tip I learned is to give old people something to look forward to, whether a fun treat or an item in their bucket list. It may not always be possible, but sometimes, even just trying helps. My career history is eclectic, but caregiving suits me because I believe I make a difference in the lives of those in my care; more often than not, the tables are turned to make me pay attention. I consider my charges' health and well-being challenges, such as easing a cynic's attitude with kindness or making one's last days a comfort. By researching and learning about their ailments before I take over, I make certain I "do no harm". I have gained hands on and annual online training from Home Health Aide courses and nurse delegated work. An energetic, resourceful worker, I offer empathy, kindness, and a bright outlook. They are what I gave my mom, now lovingly sent off to join dad, with plenty to spare for others.