Johna P. - Minneapolis Special Needs Caregiver

Profile of Johna P.

Full-Time, 2 Years of Experience

I worked in a group home with six men between 40 and 60 years old. They were all mentally disabled. They were classified as "non-verbal," but that does not mean that they did not talk up a storm through other means of communication! I learned some sign language that they were familiar with, and we communicated through other means, as well. I loved these men. Working with them taught me things that I could not have learned anywhere else. I worked mainly 14 hour shifts on Saturdays and Sundays. We either stayed around the house, taking care of personal needs, such as feeding, bathing, grooming, physical therapy, etc., or we went out on little excursions. I drove them in an 11-person van to places like the zoo, the Science Museum, Underwater World at the Mall of America, Lake Calhoun, and dances for the special needs community.

I am very comfortable with personal care and housework. At the group home, I cooked, cleaned, did laundry, fed, showered, changed their briefs, did hair and nail care, and dispensed medications. I was also employed as a hotel housekeeper for five years. I have volunteered in nursing homes and hospitals (my dad is a physical therapist, my mother is a nurse).

I was also employed as a live-in nanny for four children, ages 8, 6, 3, and 1. The 8 year old was autistic. I provided him with sensory integration therapy, which included swinging in a therapy swing, dancing to music, crawling through tunnels, etc.

I earned my Girl Scout Gold Award (the highest award in Girl Scouting) when I chaired the entertainment portion of the North Dakota State Special Olympics.

Profile Details:

• Female
• 20 years old
• 2 years of experience