LaQuaja D.

A- ask L- listen O- observe H- help A- ask again Caregiving isn't only about feeding, clothing or cleaning. It's also having an understanding of how to navigate a sometimes complicated relationship between the ones who give care and the ones who are in need of it. Caregiving can be challenging. All I can do is keep a positive attitude. I'm a people person and I've always enjoyed helping others, even when it infringed on my personal life. It's just part of my nature. I started caregiving somewhat by accident when I assisted an elderly neighbor living alone after her mentally challenged son passed away. After that, my father-in-law with dementia came to stay with us for a short time and I took care of him for about a month. It was an afterthought, but that prompted me to do this as a career because it seemed like a natural fit for me. I became a professional caregiver in 2014 and have worked privately and with a number of agencies. I know the importance of good quality care and respect. My elderly father passed away years ago and I have an aging mother. When the time comes, I would want her to be cared for by someone such as myself. I have an enormous amount of patience, so I can handle the stress that goes along with this type of care. I was the second oldest of 5 brothers and sisters. I raised my daughter and helped with my four grandchildren and now have two great grandchildren, so I have a lot of experience giving care, changing diapers, feeding, bathing and dealing with all types of conflict. Every aspect of a caregiver. The only difference is the size of the person. Smile! I'm currently open to discussing any caregiving situation. My rate is negotiable. I have had all of my certificates as well as a physical/TB test. I've also been cleared on a level 2 (FBI) background check, in the past, which allowed me to work in this field with agencies. As I've been away from this work for a while, I will be renewing everything, as needed.

I would like to think of myself as being an honest, dependable and caring person. I feel like my life experiences well prepared me for this job. I believe I'm a good listener and I have empathy and compassion for people in general and our elderly in particular. I have good communication skills and ability to follow set rules and protocols. I'm a family man, with leaving parent and children.