Ashley M.

I feel older ones especially need understanding, our respect and to be treated with dignity. Being able to handle delicate situations that arise, taking care of specific needs and feeling the appreciation of the family is rewarding.

Some residents at the Assisted Living Community call me Christmas, saying it's close to Carol , my nickname. They said it fits my personality. Willing to give love (as the song goes... on Christmas Day!), happy, funny, full of joy! I have been taking care of my Father who suffered from stroke for 10 years back in the Philippines, being one of his caregivers. I was also his Physical Therapist. We moved here in the US 5 years ago, and I have worked as a caregiver , then transitioned to work in the Med Room as a Medication Technician at Maple Glen Assisted Living in Shelton, WA. I consider it a calling given the opportunity to work there. I am a people person and loves taking care of elderly. I treat them as family and I enjoy listening to their stories, and attending to their needs. Having a Physical Therapy background, and with experience in home health, clinical, and hospital settings, I could offer different types of assistance based on the needs. I consider my time at Maple Glen as one of my career achievements. I love all of the residents and I became The Employee of the Month in less than a year. Being a caregiver is a calling for me. I am proud to be one and I enjoy doing it! It is not an easy job but coming from a Filipino family surrounded by big hearted love ones, I carry it wherever I go, and I live up to the values my parents had taught me, which I am passing on to my daughter and son.