Tonya M.

I became a caregiver because of my struggles in finding quality care for my aging ill parents. I live in the state of MD and they lived in Brooklyn New York. I am the eldest, of 7 and traveled (when possible) to and from Md/Brooklyn, New York; to provide the best care possible for them. As my younger siblings seemed to be struggled to care for them. I was a homeowner at the time here in Md after my retiring from LE. I heard about CNA/GNA and went back to school to get my license to adequately care for my parents before I brought them to Md and we all knew they wanted very much to be in a home environment, not a nursing facility. My folks never made it to here to Md. I miss them dearly.! Since that time I have been working as a CNA/GNA,, devoted to upgrading my experience and interpersonal communication skills in this capacity to be of service to others in ill health or circumstance providing at home quality care. I'm now in my Jr year of college in Pre Nursing. I always attempt to give 110% of my work ethic! What I like about being a caregiver is just that..Giving care. Quality Caring and serving the needs of individuals that can no longer adequately care for themselves but want to stay in their homes. My Personal Achievement: I once worked in a nursing facility Hospice unit and assisted a resident to eat after going on a hunger strike. She was a former Chef and restaurant owner. She said she was "dying" what was the point in her eating, and she said she had no appetite. This was around Easter holiday, I worked my Sat off day to have Sunday off because i was having a dinner party with family and friends. To stay in tradition i wanted to make roasted Lamb but I didn't quite no how. So I asked my hospice client how. As she began to tell her recipe, it made her hungry. I prepared a small meal that she ate. Two days later she passed. Her family was greatful for the care I gave but more importantly that she left having a last meal.

I became a Caregiver/Home Health Aid while caring for my grandmother who passed away. After she became ill - I cared for her, bathed her, changed her and her bedding, fed her, watched TV and read with her and cooked and cleaned for her. I enjoyed doing this and spending time with her knowing that she was getting the proper care. I have many skills I am a violist, a dancer, a bartender and I Home Health Aid. I enjoy all of these and what I enjoy most is getting to know the different people.