Ruth A.

I started of in the caregiving field with taking care of my grandfather. In the process I got to learn a lot and I did enjoy doing it. I treat every client like my own family with love and compassion. Every client had different needs, so I get to understand the client first and foremost. I mostly enjoy the learning process in caregiving, no matter how long one has been a caregiver, we get to learn new things every time. I once had a client who had dementia (late stage), who did not want to go to bed (it was late at night). One thing that the client enjoyed was watching animal documentaries . I showed the client pictures of different animals that I had taken when I went to Kenya and the client calmed down and I was able to redirect the client to bed. My patience with the client helped me assure the client that I was on her side. This scenario really made me proud of the caregiver that I'm becoming. I love what I do.

A caregiver of seven years trained to handle a variety of health and behavioral situations, I am aware of the impulse of families to want to ensure the health and well-being of loved ones. The help may just call for daily living activities with extra touches that make life worthwhile: decent exercise, tasty healthy meals, a clean, pleasant environment, a good listener and conversationalist, and kind, competent care. Some situations, however, require attending to seemingly insignificant, but crucial tasks, such as reminders to drink enough liquids, to move body and limbs periodically to avoid pressure points and muscle atrophy. I believe my care is dispensed with respect, kindness, and purpose, mindful their need for such greater than ever. A general "How are you?" might be followed with a specific "Do you feel dizzy",; and too long a spell on the couch will suggest an exercise or outside to smell the roses. The idea, above all, is to provide for the well-being of body and soul. A wise tip I learned is to give old people something to look forward to, whether a fun treat or an item in their bucket list. It may not always be possible, but sometimes, even just trying helps. My career history is eclectic, but caregiving suits me because I believe I make a difference in the lives of those in my care; more often than not, the tables are turned to make me pay attention. I consider my charges' health and well-being challenges, such as easing a cynic's attitude with kindness or making one's last days a comfort. By researching and learning about their ailments before I take over, I make certain I "do no harm". I have gained hands on and annual online training from Home Health Aide courses and nurse delegated work. An energetic, resourceful worker, I offer empathy, kindness, and a bright outlook. They are what I gave my mom, now lovingly sent off to join dad, with plenty to spare for others.