Joyce B.

“ I have been a caregiver since August 2006. My father had congestive heart disease. At the same time my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I also had two uncles nearby that had cancer. I took care of them part-time at first and eventually moved in for full-time 24-hour care. My job duties included shopping, errands, personal and household financial care, estate planning, bathing, grooming, household cleaning,...

I have been a caregiver since August 2006. My father had congestive heart disease. At the same time my mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I also had two uncles nearby that had cancer. I took care of them part-time at first and eventually moved in for full-time 24-hour care. My job duties included shopping, errands, personal and household financial care, estate planning, bathing, grooming, household cleaning, laundry, coordinated care with Hospice, providing medications as per doctor's orders, cooking all meals and companionship. Within three years all had passed away. I moved to Charleston to be near my daughter and was hired by a lady to care for her husband who had Alzheimer's. I also became a companion for a grandmother in my neighborhood. I provided meals, ran errands and became a personal caregiver for them. I am a great listener, good companion and friend, and do everything I can to give my patients a good quality of life. I have a next door neighbor that is 82 years old. I drive her to church on Sunday and have several times a week taken her a meal that greatly pleases her. I am a good neighbor and friend. I love to cook and entertain. My home is a very welcoming place that many people come to. I treat everyone like I insisted my parents be treated as well as family members too. Dealing with Dementia is a trying job. But I know if I can divert that confusion to a fun day just by reading a book to them, watching a movie, a ride to the park, my job satisfaction is high. I am able to get someone to eat when no one else can. I am creative in meal menus, and it is fun. I really enjoy what I do and will continue to do it.

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