Catherine W.

My most recent position was caring for a 93-year-old gentleman with a cardiac condtiion and pacemaker, blood sugar issues, mood swings and depression, debilitated condition, no longer able to be independent, incontinence issues, general/specific care, medication admininstration, companionship, all household tasks, and caretaking of his home. I used my Service Dog in caring for this client, and they became close friends. As a gourmet cook, I created foods that he enjoyed, baked for him nearly every day, put weight on him that he had lost while staying in a nursing home, and made his life as pleasant as possible during his last few months on this earth. His family assured me I was his very best caregiver, and I have a lot of peace in those words, because I know I gave my client the very best I had to offer each day. My client passed away from natural causes in late April 2013, and I will miss him very dmuch. I have grown to love this wonderful family, and I know they appreciate the way I cared for their father and grandfather. The family has graciously invited me to stay in my client's home until the end of May. I am very thankful for the time I had with this very special man and I grew to love him in a special way.

I was the daytime Nanny to an eight-year-old active boy with Down's Syndrome. I was in charge of entertainment, meals, monitoring activities, assisting with homework and general companionship. My client was a bright child who tried very hard to please and was loving and affectionate. I made life as interesting as possible at home, observing nature in the back yard, caring for flowers, arts and crafts projects, as well as practicing writing letters and numbers, and reading.

Live-In 24/7 Professional Caregiver to a client with Advanced Alzheimer's Disease. Service dog used with this client. Handled all cooking, nutritional and dietary consultations, entertainiment, playing games, sightseeing, extended travel over the summer to Maine, catering for the family; cleaning, laundry, doctor's appts, shopping, budgeting expenses, medical and advocacy liason between doctors and family members; anything and everything to keep my client alive and happy, and in good care.