Joel G.

I became a caregiver initially as I was applying to nursing school and needed a CNA license. I instantly fell in love with the hands on patient care aspect of my job. I truly enjoy being able to connect with my residents and give them the respect and level of care they deserve. While working with the elderly I strive to treat them as I would my own grandparents. In fact, the summer after my freshman year of college, I moved in with my grandfather who had advanced stage Parkinson's disease to be his primary caregiver. Having worked with several residents who's Parkinson's stages ranged from newly diagnosed to advanced stages, as well as having an Alzheimer's Association certification, I felt well prepared to handle his needs. Although he passed after a few short months, I am very proud that I was able to let him stay in his home as he desired and make his last few months the best they could be. I am a last semester social work student at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. I have an American Sign Language certificate and am BLS certified as well. My hobbies include traveling, hockey, hiking, fishing and spending time with my family. My grandfather taught me many things in life but the most important was to treat everyone the way you would like to be treated.