Dessa D.

I am a certified home health care provider. My 22 years experience include taking care of individuals with mental and physical disability in their own homes. I also worked as a Training Specialist in a workshop setting, where we trained people with mental retardation and behavior problems in simple jobs that would generate income for them and keep them occupied. My duties included providing personal care, grooming, bathing, cooking, transportation, medication administration, and monitoring individuals for safety. My joy is derived from making an improvement in people's lives.

Compassion and empathy for others are traits that enables me to work well as a caregiver. The study of Gerontology at Edwards university convinced me that Positive Aging or Aging Gracefully is really attainable with the right tools and the right attitude in place. My mother assisted the elderly, I would help her from time to time. I knew it was the right thing to do. When I graduated high school, I went to work in a Nursing home as a Nurses Aide. The thing I enjoy most about caregiving is being able to encourage others to live and enjoy life one day at a time in spite of the circumstances. Securing the 83 hrs of Gerontology at St. Edwards University and the time I learned and worked for the City of Austin for 22 years. I started as a volunteer, Senior nutrition aide, promoted to Site Mgr. , promoted to Site Mgr. Supervisor, Promoted to Project Director, Senior Employment. When I retired I was acting Program manager of Senior Programs. These are two achievement I'm proud of. The greatest achievement was when a Hospice client was motivated, got up from bed and starting fixing her breakfast again.