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Roxana M

“Roxana was tremendously comforting, engaging and helpful when working with my mother. We couldn’t have asked for a better person to care for her. Roxana understood her needs and impressed us with her abilities as a caregiver. Beyond helping my mother with all of her daily tasks, Roxana became her friend. My mother was always happy to see her and enjoyed having her for as much time as possible. Roxana normally worked four days in a row. She went above and beyond in every way and even checked on my mother on her days off, especially as her health declined. It is not common to meet a person with so much compassion and empathy.”

Roxana joined our team in March 2016 as a live-in caregiver. Her first assignment was with a client who was had been diagnosed with dementia and was a fall risk. From a safety standpoint, falls posed the biggest risk to the client. Prior to starting care, falls became frequent, so it was essential for the caregiver with her to be attentive and ensure proper safety precautions were used at all times. In addition, the client needed medication reminders, reminders to use a walker, personal care assistance, three fresh meals prepared daily and assistance with diabetes management. What was most important for the client was a person she could talk to and enjoy having around. The client was nervous about starting care live-in care. Despite having been diagnosed with dementia, what ultimately made it impossible for the client to stay home alone was a fall. Prior to the fall, the client lived alone so being anxious about beginning live-in care was understandable. Roxana recognized this instantly and made the client feel comfortable with her unique approach to care. She was successful in preventing falls, provided the necessary assistance with all activities of daily living so the client could remain in her own home and, perhaps what was most important for this client, Roxana was a great companion.

When asked why she likes being a caregiver, Roxana said the following:

“I feel this is what I was called to do. Working for others gives me a deep sense of purpose and I seek to create a true connection with the people I serve. To me, having the opportunity to make a difference in the life of someone is something very special and something to be grateful for…I can truly say I love what I do.”

 

Deanea S

Deanea has been a member of our team since January 2015 and works primarily as an hourly private duty caregiver. For Deanea, the transition to caregiving in the early 2000s felt both very natural and very fulfilling. Prior to training as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Deanea spent her career in customer-oriented, client-facing office settings. She wanted to do something that gave her purpose, while taking her customer service skills to a different level and making a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Deanea is a firm believer in assuring the clients she works with feel heard. Shortly after becoming certified and working in an assisted living community, Deanea was recognized for providing exceptional care to the residents she was assigned. Because of her approach and her new skillset as a caregiver, Deanea was promoted to a management position at the community where she worked. During her tenure there, Deanea received extensive training so she could assist the residents and, eventually, she began leading trainings for the rest of the staff at the community. Although she learned a lot and enjoyed her time working in a facility long term care setting, Deanea found that what she enjoyed most was creating a customized plan and caring for one or two clients at a time. She transitioned to home care around 2010 and joined our team five years later.

Since joining our team, Deanea has been consistently recognized for tailoring care to best suit the needs and personality of the person she is working with. She approaches clients with respect and focuses on providing essential care and meaningful companionship. For Deanea, both are equally as important. This approach means Deanea quickly becomes an indispensable member of any care team she is a part of. Currently, she is the lead caregiver for a client that requires around-the-clock care (24 hour care) and has limited availability for fill-ins or supplemental, short-term assignments. 

This is what one of Deanea’s past clients said about her:

“Deanea has been the caregiver for my father for the past 2 years. Over this time I have had the chance to get to know her. She is the most compassionate person I have ever met. She takes very much pride in her profession as a caregiver. She is responsible, positive, organized, a great cook (according to dad), great with his personal needs and always goes the extra mile. She just feels like part of our family.”

Kimberly W

As a professional caregiver, Kimberly is dedicated to providing compassionate and caring service to individuals who are unable to care for themselves. Since joining Private Home Care in 2014, she has worked as a live-in and hourly caregiver, assisting clients with daily tasks and providing them with the support they need to live at home. Kimberly always strives to go above and beyond.

One of Kimberly’s most memorable experiences as a caregiver was caring for a client for over four years, where Kimberly was a primary live-in caregiver. During this assignment, Kimberly managed all aspects of care, allowing her client to age at home with Alzheimer’s. In her spare time, Kimberly enjoys cooking and spending time with her family.

“My brother and I owe Kim a debt of gratitude that cannot be quantified or qualified.  Caregivers for the elderly, especially those with dementia, memory loss, and particularly those with Alzheimer’s Disease, know that the daily and nightly routine of bathing, cleaning, dressing, engaging, and feeding the person in their care can be taxing.  My brother and I learned in the weeks immediately following our father’s death, before we found caregivers for our mother, just how much.  We were not capable of shouldering this responsibility singly or together for various reasons.  I live in Chicago with my husband and two children; Kim quickly became an essential member of our family, not simply an employee, because she took on the “psychological,” as well as the emotional, mental and physical burden of caring for our mother. Money can pay for the physical care of the elderly.  It cannot pay for the conscientious and generous outpouring of love in action.  Soon after Kim began her job with us, our mother began to “thrive” — even as her body and mind continued to deteriorate from Alzheimer’s Disease.  My brother and I continually remarked that we had never seen our mom look so happy or exude such peace of mind and spirit.  Her physical appearance also began to improve dramatically.  She ate heartily of Kim’s “home cooking” and gained some needed weight.  Her hair was always clean and brushed.  She began to wear clothes that suited her and, more than ever, her eyes sparkled.  She laughed.”

-Robin C, daughter of former client 

Michelle K

Private Home Care since 2015. She obtained her CNA certification after moving to the US 20 years ago, and has always been drawn to helping others through her work. Prior to joining PHC, Michelle worked in various schools and with special needs children. She also has a background in early childhood development and school building, having worked with the United Nations, including UNICEF, in countries such as Pakistan, Iran, and Afghanistan.

As a caregiver, Michelle is deeply committed to providing top-quality home care to her clients. She understands the importance of maintaining independence and quality of life, and works tirelessly to ensure that her clients are able to age in place comfortably and safely. Whether it’s providing companionship, managing medications, or coordinating appointments and errands, Michelle is dedicated to meeting the needs of her clients and helping them lead fulfilling and meaningful lives. She is also proactive in identifying and addressing any potential issues that may arise, working closely with her clients, their families, and her team mates from Private Home Care to ensure that needs are met and issues are addressed.

Michelle’s diverse background and experiences have contributed to her dedication to providing exceptional home care to her clients. Growing up in a multi-generational household and working with various organizations, including the United Nations and schools, has given her a unique perspective on the importance of caring for others. These experiences have helped her understand the needs of her clients and deliver top-quality home care services.

For the past six years, Michelle has been working with the same client, providing companionship, personal care assistance, meal preparation, and medication reminders. Because she has a full-time client, Michelle is currently only available for fill-in work.

Vicki J

Vicki has been a valuable member of the Private Home Care team since March 2017, providing top-notch home care to her clients. As a caregiver, she is dedicated to helping her clients maintain their independence and quality of life, offering a wide range of services, including companionship, transportation, meal preparation, and medication reminders. In addition to these tasks, Vicki also serves as an assistant and care advocate for her clients, demonstrating strong attention to detail and the ability to schedule appointments, keep an organized calendar, and coordinate outings. She is a reliable and compassionate caregiver who is committed to meeting the needs of her clients and ensuring that they receive the highest level of care.

Vicki has a wealth of experience that makes her well-suited to her role as a caregiver. She has spent time living and traveling abroad, including  in Shanghai and Saipan, and has a background in customer service, with experience in the printing and floral industries. In fact, she even co-owned a successful floral business. With her wide range of skills and experiences, Vicki is able to offer a unique and personalized home care experience to her clients.

If you or a loved one is in need of hourly care, Vicki is an excellent choice. She is a compassionate and reliable caregiver who is dedicated to helping her clients live full and meaningful lives.

Tina K

Tina has been a full-time caregiver with Private Home Care since 2017. For Tina, being a caregiver is more than just a job – it’s a calling that comes from the soul. She became a caregiver because she wanted to work with people who need help and make a positive difference in their lives. Tina is deeply passionate about her work as a caregiver, and it shows in the exceptional care and support she provides to her clients.

One of the things that sets Tina apart as a caregiver is her listening skills. She is one of the best listeners you’ll ever meet and takes note of all the details that go into taking care of her clients. She always asks for clarification if something isn’t clear, and she is a meticulous notetaker, ensuring that she has all the information she needs to provide the best possible care to her clients.

Tina is also committed to maintaining the highest level of professionalism and knowledge in her field. She does this primarily by taking advantage of training opportunities, attending webinars and lectures on topics related to aging adults, and keeping her professional certifications up to date. For example, Tina holds a CNA certification, which requires her to stay current with the latest caregiving techniques and best practices.

“I love home care because it allows people to receive the care they need in the comfort of their own home on their own terms. This can be the most comfortable option. I’m here to support whatever path my clients have chosen.”

By investing in her own professional development and listening to what her clients require, Tina is able to provide the best possible care and support. She is always looking for ways to improve her skills and stay ahead of the curve, which helps her deliver exceptional care to her clients and make a positive difference in their lives. Tina’s commitment to learning and growth is just one of the many things that set her apart as a caregiver.

Tamara W

Tamara has been a caregiver with Private Home Care since 2016. During her tenure, Tamara has consistently demonstrated her ability to connect with clients, understand their needs, and follow care plans. She is knowledgeable, skilled, and deeply committed to making a positive difference in the lives of her clients.

Tamara’s journey as a caregiver began in 2007 when she obtained her CNA certification. Since then, she has gained a wealth of experience caring for individuals with a variety of needs, including those with physical and cognitive impairments, Lewy-body dementia, and Parkinson’s. 

While working with PHC, Tamara has primarily worked with two clients. Her first client required live-in care and assistance with all activities of daily living, including transfers. The client’s family highly respected Tamara for her dedication to going above and beyond to engage her client as much as possible and for her excellent communication with the client’s family, care manager, and hospice team. In addition, she was often praised for her kindness, patience, compassion, and ability to provide the highest quality of care. 

She can naturally connect with her clients and build strong relationships, which has helped her become an integral part of their care teams. Tamara is committed to delivering high-quality, personalized care to her clients in the comfort of their own homes.

Rosario G

Rosario has been a caregiver with Private Home Care since January 2017, working as a private duty hourly caregiver. She has extensive experience caring for individuals with dementia and Parkinson’s disease. After becoming a CNA, Rosario worked at a long-term care community that specialized in memory care, where she gained valuable hands-on experience working with individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. She then transitioned to home care in 2011 and joined our team in January 2017. Before working with us, Rosario spent four years working one-on-one with a client who had Parkinson’s disease. Her first assignment with PHC required a skilled, certified nurse’s aide who had knowledge of Parkinson’s disease and could provide safe assistance with all activities of daily living, including medication reminders and special dietary needs to help the client gain weight.

When she started working with this client, it was clear that Rosario was the perfect fit. She followed the client’s care plan closely and found creative ways to encourage him to eat. Rosario also diligently communicated any relevant notes to the client’s family, other caregivers, care manager, and eventually, the hospice team. She was instrumental in helping her client remain happy and safe at home, and the stability she brought to the assignment gave the client’s family much-needed peace of mind.

When asked why she is a caregiver, Rosario said, 

“I love being a caregiver because I believe in the saying that everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. So, it’s important to just be kind. I take this to work with me every day. It is simple, but it is so important to be kind to one another. When we are kind, we find a lot in common with others.”

In her spare time, Rosario enjoys spending time with her friends and family and volunteering with her church. She is originally from Mexico and is fluent in Spanish, which has allowed her to connect with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds. Rosario is passionate about cooking and often prepares meals from scratch for her clients. She takes pride in creating healthy and delicious meals that are tailored to each client’s specific dietary needs and preferences. Rosario’s culinary skills not only help her clients maintain a healthy diet but also contribute to their overall well-being and enjoyment of life. In addition to cooking, Rosario also enjoys spending time outdoors, going for walks, and soaking up the sunshine. She is an active and energetic person who always looks for ways to stay engaged and involved in her community.

Elizabeth (Liz) K

Liz has been a caregiver with Private Home Care since 2014, working as a live-in and hourly caregiver. As a home care professional, Liz believes that aging should not be an end. Instead, people should be able to continue enjoying new opportunities and experiences and finding joy in life, especially at an advanced age. That’s why Liz is committed to helping the people she works with to be able to enjoy their lives and have things to look forward to.

One of Liz’s most memorable experiences as a caregiver was working with a client who had dementia. She had the opportunity to live-in with the client and provide around-the-clock care, and she loved the opportunity to do art projects and spend time joking and laughing together. Liz’s caregiving approach is all about helping her clients live their lives at home, in their own familiar environment, and she thinks PHC is a great place to work because it is a company that truly cares about its clients and is dedicated to helping them live as full a life as possible.

In addition to her caregiving duties, Liz has also used her skills and compassion to inspire her creative pursuits. While working with a client who had dementia, Liz was inspired to write a short book about a dog as a fun activity for both the client and for herself. The project ended up being a rewarding experience for both of them, and it’s just one example of how Liz’s work as a caregiver has inspired her to use her skills and talents in new and meaningful ways.

“For six years, my mother received around-the-clock care until she passed away. During this time, Liz was one of her caregivers and developed a close relationship with her, becoming more like a “girlfriend” than a caregiver. Liz spent countless hours with my mother, not just providing care, but also having fun and creating meaningful experiences. I know that this made a significant difference in my mother’s life, but it also brought me great comfort and peace of mind knowing that she was being well cared for and happy.

-Debra S.

Angelika H

As a caregiver, Angie has dedicated her career to providing top-quality home care to elderly individuals in need of support and companionship. She has been working with PHC in this capacity since 2017 and has a passion for helping others that is evident in all that she does.

Originally from Germany, Angie moved to the United States in the early 2000s. In her home country, she worked as a nurse, but after arriving in the US, she decided to pursue a career in caregiving and obtained her CNA certification. This decision has allowed her to work closely with older adults in their own homes, providing them with the personalized care and attention they need to thrive.

Angie has had several long-term clients as a live-in caregiver, caring for those with Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and those in hospice care. She is skilled at finding ways to engage her clients and keep their minds active through games and activities, and her caring and compassionate nature make her a valuable asset to any home care team. In her current role, Angie has been with her client for over two years, but she also has availability to fill in on days when she is not committed to other clients.

In addition to her work as a caregiver, Angie enjoys spending quality time with her family in her spare time. She is a dedicated and hardworking individual who truly cares about the well-being of those in her care. If you or a loved one is in need of a caregiver, Angie is the perfect choice. Her skills and experience make her well-equipped to provide the highest level of home care and support to those in need.