Experience: Paralysis and mobility issues

“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.”

 

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 

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 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.

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.

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.