Westfield State University

I am a former special education teacher with 38 years of experience. I left to be home more often with my 85-year-old father who lived with me and had dementia as well as other health concerns. He was the love of my life and I was determined to keep him home with me, but I needed to have some steady income. Prior to my father's passing a year ago, I took care of my mother as well. She had vascular dementia secondary to diabetes as well as other health concerns and was a very difficult person; however, my parents always took excellent care of me and now it was my turn to pay them back rather than turn my back. I was lucky to be in position to do this. I cooked, cleaned, did laundry, med management, took them to doctor appointments as far away as Hartford, administered weekly blood tests for INR levels, consulted with all agencies as needed (and took all phone calls) as well as every other aspect of running a household and managing a person's life. I loved every minute of it, although it was not without its challenges! I do believe that I can be a valuable asset to you.

I became a caregiver because I enjoy helping people. I like it when people are please with the work I have done. My personal achievements are I'm a proud mom of a great nineteen old young lady, I have an BDdegrees in Docial work and I am working toward my masters in social work. I enjoy a simple life. I like reading and doing activities with my daughter.

Passionate about adults with brain injuries. Determined to provide the best care for individuals needing assistance to ensure they thrive in life. I've dedicated the past 6yrs learning about diabetes; accepting challenges far exceeding my skills; developing positive and professional work relationships with providers across Western MA including doctors from Mass General. I am gtube trained by the state; certified in MAP. My greatest accomplishment was receiving a client back in 2016 who had a serious medical condition with a life expectancy of 4-6 weeks. After 7 surgeries, failure to quit and accept no for an answer, traveling to MGH for a year, working closely with the state ethical director... his life expectancy surpassed 4-6 weeks. He is alive today, eating, out of the hospital, and thriving in life.

I approach every client as an individual. I find the people I meet have lived amazing lives and like to hear about their experiences. This sometimes also clues me into THEIR wants and needs and how they want to be cared for in a sometimes newer but lesser life that they have to contend with. It's not easy accepting or admitting they need help to do things they've always done for themselves.