Stephanie J.

Stephanie responded to our family's ad, as we were searching for a caregiver for my mother-in-law. I spoke with her on the phone and was impressed with her responses to my questions. The pre-recorded references were very supportive and based on that we scheduled an in-person interview for 1:00 pm on a Saturday. A few days before the interview I wrote a confirmation email and Stephanie responded, acknowledging the date, time, and location for the interview. On the day of the interview, at noon, a mere hour before our scheduled appointment I received a text message stating that she was cancelling our interview. She wrote that a family situation earlier in the day threw off her schedule and therefore she could not make the appointment, but did not want to impede our family's progress on searching for a caregiver.

My name is Teresa D. I interviewed and hired Stephanie in December of 2012 as a caregiver for my 91 year old mother who had recently had a stroke and was now bedridden and living with me. I had seven interviews that day and Stephanie was first. I wanted to hire her immediately. She was an answer to my prayers. Stephanie had a kind and comforting manner that was ideal for the position as an elderly patient caregiver. Included in the physical care she would provide, which included tending to all the needs my mother would have, from meals through bathing and toileting, she also provided my mother with engaging conversation, read to her, watched old movies with her and listened to stories my mother loved to tell about her family and her life. My mother was of sound mind and this dramatic loss of her previously independent lifestyle was hard for her to accept but Stephanie made my Mom feel like she was still the same person as she was before her life altering illness. She treated my mother as her own mother. For this, I am ever grateful. Stephanie was a dependable caregiver. She was always able to stay longer if we needed her. She worked a very flexible schedule that allowed me to meet the variety of appointments I had and even a night out with my husband. She was available on Saturdays as we also had to work on my mother's house to get it ready for selling. I cannot think of an instance where Stephanie was unavailable to work as we needed her. As my mother's health failed and as she neared the end we took turns sitting vigil with her. She was always conscience of our presence and even in this state she spoke of her own gratitude to Stephanie for the excellent care she gave her. It was not easy for my mother to be the sick one. She was always the caregiver for everyone and now she was in need. Stephanie was with us when my mother passed away and helped us all through the saddest moment of our lives as we lost our Mom. She even assisted the doctor who pronounced her death and prepared Mother for the arrival of the funeral director. This is a woman of great love and respect for her patient. Stephanie's abilities and qualities include: Complete dedication to her patient/client. Timely and dependable and trustworthy. Gentle, reassuring, comforting. Able to move a patient, bathe, toilet with dignity. Meal preparation and feeding. Entertaining and engaged with the patient and the family. Manages well under pressure. Good decision maker. Handles all instructions from patient, family and medical professionals perfectly. Dispenses medications as prescribed. Give comfort and hope to the patient and the family. If you are lucky enough to find Stephanie and interview her, I know you will want to hire her, too. If you would like to speak to me directly, please feel free to call me anytime. My family members will also vouch for Stephanie and their experience with her, as well. Sincerely, Teresa D.