Ollie M.

I love working as a caregiver because I love helping people also making people feel good about themselves. To be a caregiver you have to have a caring heart also patient.

My residents become my family. I care about putting a smile on their faces & bringing positive energy & comfortable while they are going through their ladder stages. I like keeping a relationship with the families b/c it helps me provide better care and a warmer atmosphere to my residents. I like to let my residents know never apologize, accidents happen,& I am here to care for their needs. I wanted to be a care giver b/c it's more than just a job, it's changing lives & being a part of their lives. I enjoy hearing stories & memories. Doing their laundry the way they like it or spend an extra 10 minutes setting the tables b/c she wants to help fold napkins. I like to incorporate old routines into new ones. It's important to tell them they cant go somewhere. For example, if a resident thinks its time for work &tries to walk out, I will walk out with him & walk him around the block & back home. NOT you don't work anymore b/c it will cause him to be upset. Care givers need patience & understanding. We need to understand that they are not always themselves & arguing with them& telling them their wrong only creates confusion & stress. Agreeing, even if it's ridiculous makes them feel good. We are a team. They already feel against the world. It's the small details in care giving that add up to being a friend as well. A personal achievement I am proud of is being told by my executive director that my hard work is seen, and I shine. Residents may forget a few days later, in the moment it makes them feel so special and that is something no one can take away from a care giver.