Maryellen Q.

When my mother was ill, I was the one she would call to make her scrambled eggs. I took her to the swimming pool and hot tub to get exercise and relaxation. I cut her hair, took her to doctor's appointments and then lunch, and generally gave her some companionship. As I dusted her knickknacks, she told me where each was from. Mom died in 2002. When dad was ailing, some of my family tried to move him into assisted living, but he wanted to stay in his own home. I gave up my apartment and moved in with him, while working in publishing during the day. We had a great time together for a year and a half. Just after he died, I lost my job because I had spent too much time with dad. That evening, the daughter of a neighbor I'd assisted over the years called me, asking if I could help her mother. That began years of caregiving in which I have helped people stay in their homes, and enjoy life. I've brought my keyboard and played hymns and popular songs, singing with them and laughing. As a caregiver, I am simply happy to help my people stay in their own familiar setting. I believe the way I interact with them makes them happy. And my cooking makes them extremely happy! I built my cooking experience on my mom's, then learned to cook for fewer than 8 people! I edited three "Taste of the Country" cookbooks, working with a professional dietician who taught me many ways to fit dietary needs while providing tasty food.

I believe I am a great caregiver because of patience, you have to have patience when dealing with the elderly. I choose to be a caregiver because I feel like its the perfect starting point in becoming a nurse which is the career choice I am heading towards not only that but I love to help people and I want to see people happier and better. I enjoy spending time with my patients and hearing their stories somehow I feel that I have become a part of every family that I've cared for. I have learnt so much in my past 4 years working as a caregiver that no institution could ever teach and I'm proud of that.