Dementia Caregivers in Alcalde - 7 caregivers found

I am every responsible and caring and loving

I became a caregiver in 2010. It feels good to be able to give back to the community. I've worked with a variety of people with a variety of disabilities. I have experience with assisting with medications, scheduling, along with life coaching and socializing people to help in whatever form to maintain the most independence possible.

One of my expertise is in art. I find it helpful in caregiving because you have to be very creative. Whether it's going to an art museum on an outing or painting and drawing a picture at home. It's always good to get your creative juices flowing. One of the things I like about being a caregiver is that it feels good to help someone else. Little by little if we all help each other out the world will be a better place for the next generation.

I have been in the healthcare field for about 6 years. I recently graduated from Northern New Mexico College Nursing program. I have a compassion for caring and helping individuals that are in need. I'm enthusiastic about learning and love a sense of humor! The healthcare field is just for me.

My first experience as a caregiver came just after high school when I was hired as a nurse aide at the Med Unit at El Castillo Retirement Community in Santa Fe, NM, where I cared for the elderly that were needing more than normal care. I did this for the Summer before college. It gave me a sense of pride in caring for these vulnerable seniors. I did everything required of me from diaper changes, to tube feedings, grooming, changing clothes, toileting, companionship, blood pressure readings, etc. Years later, I helped with the caregiving for my grandma of 96-years. I helped take her to the hairdresser every Friday, did the shopping and helped her bathe, and comb. I helped her brush her dentures. I eventually helped her to transfer her to the commode and back to her chair, and back to her recliner. I was mainly there from about 4:30 pm until about 8:30am once a week. She was an amazing person, right up to the end. My next caregiving task was brief, but very enlightening. I would become a companion for an aunt who developed dementia/Alzheimer's and progressed rather rapidly and although an effort was made to have her at home, she too, became a resident at Sierra Vista for memory care. I attended an Alzheimer's class (an overview) at that time. Witnessing her progression was very hard, but also experiential. About 3 years ago, I attended an Alzheimer Caregiver course (lengthy, about 6-8 sessions if I remember correctly). This was due to my Dad having dementia that was progressing. His progression has been somewhat slow, and he is mostly being helped (meals, hygiene, companionship, etc.) by other family members. I find fulfilment in caregiving. I am touched by the person(s) I care for, and I hope also to touch theirs also!

I am interested in Care Giving, with any age group. My first job was in Santa Fe at 4 Seasons, I was a nurses aid at 16 yrs old, I fed elders, bathed them, changed their diapers, changed sheets, & would engage in talking to them, & help feed 2 or 3 people during feedings. I moved to CA in 1989, & worked for a Private Company, and took care of 6 Alzheimers people, 3 female & 3 Males. I was their for 3 days, 72 hours & off for 4 days...I would help dress them, cook thier meals, shower as needed, shave the men as needed. Make their beds. It was located in a residentuial setting. This population , had no sense of time, so I had to check on them frequently, so they didnt get up during the nite & get dressed. They were all very sweet, and would bable to eachother, in a beautiful conversation. Really enjoyed working with them. I moved to Sacramento CA, and worked at the Short Center,for 2 years as a Teachers Aid. The school was an Art School for Disabled Adults ranging from 18-75 yrs old, with many different Disabilities, including : Cerebalpulsy , Blindness, Parkensons, ADHD, MS, Brain Disorders. My duties included, feeding students, assisting with Art projects ( Painting , Photography, Sewing, Music, Ceramics ) I was also teaching them how to take the Puplic Bus & Spend Money ( Assisted Living ). In 2004, I moved to Taos & took care of my uncle for 4 years until he had to be sent to a senior living residence. I woul cook, clean, shop & take him to doctor appointments I really enjoy working with Elders & the Disabled Population. It takes a person, that enjoys working with them, having patience, and is able to help improve their health, lifestyle, & keep them occupied with activities they enjoy.

It feels highly rewarding knowing you're changing the life of those in need of assistance. My passion for this started after the passing of my dad, I wished I could've done more to help him in the stages he needed to gain in-dependability to get better. Later my grandpa was admitted into hospice care and I had the chance to care for him everyday. After, it sparked the idea to get back to school and follow a path I was really passionate about. I began to go to school for nursing assistance. I then accepted a training position where I had 100+ hours of training. Caring for the elderly gives you a lot of great perspective. While working with this demographic, you begin to really value your time with them. The mutual respect that you can develop with the aging population is truly special.