Erika M.

About Erika

I am at my best when helping other people. I receive a lot of joy out of knowing that my presence and care is needed and helpful. I can be quite bubbly. I love to laugh, and enjoy making other people laugh as well. I enjoy listening and getting to know people. I like to understand people by getting to know them through their personal stories and life experiences. I'm always willing and able to learn. I wanted to be a caregiver after working at Elderwood for a few months. I realized how much I care for the residents and how much their well being means to me. And it was made clear to me that I couldn't spend as much time with them as I wanted to if I was continuing as a dietary aide. I've been told by my other employees that I'm very good with the residents and know how to be patient and kind even when they are lashing out at me. I've never been a caregiver, but I think I would most enjoy their company, even though it is my job to keep the client company. I feel like people these days have forgotten how important it is to sit down and listen. To learn from a past generation who grew up very differently than we did. And I know our generation could benefit greatly from listening to our elders, especially those who feel they don't have a voice or feel forgotten. Helping other people humbles me. It reminds me of how small my problems are and it distracts me from the self-centered attitude that tends to latch on.

Caregiving Services & Expertise

Experience & Education

Dietary aide, waitstaff

Oct 2016 - Present

Elderwood Assisted Living

My job is to not only serve the residents food, but to communicate with them and keep them company. This job is not a regular waitress job, there is so much more involved. Each staff member needs to keep in mind the specific needs of each resident. The dietary department tends to be the staff the residents see most during the day. So we have a lot of responsibility keeping tabs on not only their health condition, but their mental condition and personal lives as well. They depend on us to "keep them sane," as a handful of residents jokingly tell me. Knowing the residents is so important in knowing how to communicate with them and how to serve them best.

Oct 2016 - Present

Villa Maria College Buffalo

Jan 2014 - Jan 2016

Buffalo, NY

Jan 2014 - Jan 2016

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