Donna W.

About Donna

My journey into Home Health, Hospice and Caregiving started unexpectedly and quite personally. My then 16-year old daughter was diagnosed with a very rare malignant brain tumor. Fast forward 21 years. Although I enjoyed a very successful career as an IT Consultant, it was not emotionally satisfying. I am a caregiver at heart. I have cared for a young woman, now a young adult since her diagnosis with muscular dystrophy as a child. This is on an as-needed basis and she now enjoys independence in her own home. Working with my elderly families has been extremely rewarding. And caring for someone in their final season of life is something God put me on this earth to do. I raise an amazing teen granddaughter and she keeps me young at heart. Her love for pets keeps me on my toes with her two dogs, one cat and Waldo - her turtle. I am enrolling in the WINGS program and will receive my Certified Nursing Assistant(CNA)/Home Health Aide Certification in fall of 2020. This will be immediately followed by their Medication Management Certification program. Although I have performed in these roles and more for two decades, I have only recently decided to accomplish these Certifications. *Note, Any overnight, weekend or holiday shifts will be on an exception basis only*

Caregiving Services & Expertise

Experience & Education

Home Health Aide

Mar 2017 - Present

Private Home Care

Respite caregiver providing Home Health Assistance and Companionship. Patient is geriatric, multiple joint replacement surgeries, severe chronic infections and dementia living in a private home. Split day services includes morning and evening care. Responsibilities include: Medication management and reminders; grooming and bathing assistance; meal management and preparation; laundry and some light housekeeping; supervise and assist with mobility exercises; general companionship; spiritual encouragement and discussions; ensuring overall home safety issues are addressed that are associated with dementia sufferers.

Mar 2017 - Present

Caregiver and Personal Assistant

Jan 1991 - Present

Family Employer

This is a PRN (as needed) position. Provide assistance to a young woman with multiple disabilities. Her ailments started as a young child and have grown progressively worse into young adulthood. Responsibilities are diverse and include, as needed,: point of contact support to specialty healthcare providers; research and interview new medical and mental health care specialists as needed; arrange and coordinate appointments; transport to appointments; medication management; meal assistance; errands; medical equipment coordination and set up; medical records management; grooming assistance; meal help; shopping and errands; companionship and spiritual support. Clients conditions include: muscular dystrophy; irritable bowel; heart disease; skin disease; vision problems; severe depression; anxiety and panic disorders; agoraphobia.

Jan 1991 - Present

Home Health and Hospice Aide

Jan 2014 - Jun 2018

Private Family

Provided home health care for an elderly couple. Initially the husband was patient and duties ultimately expanded to include Hospice Aide also. Concurrently and after husbands demise, provided aide to the surviving spouse. Responsibilities included: coordinating medical care, prescriptions and appointments spanning multiple specialists; primary point of contact for all health-care, medication and hospice providers; monitor blood sugar and prepare insulin dosages; appointment transportation; manage prescription refills, changes and daily schedules; assist with or perform bathing duties and other grooming tasks; prepare and serve meals; grocery planning and shopping; coordinate all home repair activities and recruit service providers; ensure medical equipment was delivered and used properly; laundry and light housekeeping; companionship and spiritual encouragement. Patients medical conditions included: insulin dependent diabetes; coronary artery disease; a fib; heart failure; cardiomyopathy; neuropathy; pneumonia; chronic infections; dementia; severe depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Jan 2014 - Jun 2018

Cancer Support Home Health Aide

May 1997 - Jun 2008

My family

Teen daughter was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. This was my first experience with critical care patient care. Daily responsibilities included: primary contact with a multitude of specialists; appointment and referral management; post surgical care; physical therapy and occupational therapy care at home; managed accessing her chemotherapy port-a-cath at home; daily IV feeding at home; bathing and grooming help; coordinated with school system to provide her schooling at home; medication management; wound care; research and coordinate with available charitable and support services including Ronald McDonald House, Cancer Closets and others; provide transportation and other specialty services as needed.

May 1997 - Jun 2008

University of Florida

Jan 1988 - Jan 1993

Gainesville, FL

Jan 1988 - Jan 1993

Computer Learning Center

Jan 1987 - Jan 1988

Anaheim, CA

Jan 1987 - Jan 1988

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