Alfred M.

1 What makes you a great caregiver? I'd leave it to others to rate me as a caregiver: my clients, former clients, client's family members. I'd only say that competence, personal integrity and humility (serving and putting others first) are core to the kind of person I endeavor to be in THIS LIFE. 2 Why did you become a caregiver? I became a caregiver because I love ALL peoples, and serving is the best way to demonstrate sincere love, love as defined by N.T. writers This Douglas Adams quote says it best: "To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity." 3. What do you like about being a Caregiver? I'm gratified when the care I provide exactly meets the client's needs and allows family members to confidently have a guilt-free break from the care of an aging, ill, or disabled family member. (There are two in my family) 4. What is a personal achievement you are proud of? -I was picked to be on a team assembled to care for a quadriplegic client. I had the privilege of providing her professional home healthcare: meal preps, tub baths, light housekeeping, from bed to chair transfers, (without HoyerLift) She also required a colostomy bag and urinary catheter care. -I'm also proud to have been selected, from a relatively large number of candidates, to assist a family dedicated to the care of a loved one severely disabled by Autism. -Most recently, I enjoyed the privilege of helping to provide 24-hour care for a SECOND quadriplegic client: a large male, requiring assistance with no HoyerLift transfers, tub baths, lots of passive ROM & OT prescribed exercises, scheduled repositioning while asleep, and more -I once successfully self-prepared at home for a proctored Microsoft exam. -Self-instructed, I can speak some Spanish and some Mandarin Chinese. 5. Tell us something about yourself. Grandfather of 4 -lifelong Bible student -love: Gospel hymns, animals, plants, walks, ping pong, audiobooks.

What makes me a great caregiver is that I am able to relate to the needs of my clients base on individuality. I am very compassionate towards my clients. I try my very best to understand their needs and find a solution to it. I became a caregiver not only to help people who are at a disadvantage but rather because I care about people and enjoy being a part of their lives. For many years I've lived away from my father, but the moment I received a phone call that he had a stroke I dropped everything and went to care for him until he recovered. That alone shows how caring and concern I am about people who are unable to care for themselves. What I like about being a caregiver is the fact that I am able to bring a smile on the faces of my clients no matter what moods they are in for that particular day. I go to an extended mile to make sure that their needs are met and that they are taken good care of and happy. One personal achievement I am proud of is being able to graduate college. Both my parents are illiterate and for me to be the first out of four siblings to go to college and graduate was a very good accomplishment for me. And with what I have learned and experience I will continue to strive in what I love the most; that is helping people.