I have a Master of Social Work degree (Master's degree) from VCU (2010) and an undergraduate degree from Wake Forest University (2007).

For the past two years I have cared for an elderly gentleman with dementia; it is the most rewarding employment position I have ever completed. (He had to leave for residential care because his needs exceeded my services.)

My academic background is in social work, and while I would like to say my education was indispensable, it wasn't; that said, I do think four years of undergraduate work and two years of graduate work shows a certain degree of responsibility and commitment.

My direct experience: While working with this elderly gentleman, with dementia, I found that being attentive and asking questions was the best way to help him. Even if I was asking to hear a story for the 1,000th time, or randomly asking if his teeth were hurting him, I provided the appropriate questions and responses that I would personally want if I were in his position. Furthermore, I feel that I provided him the most independence possible, whether it was shaving or bathing, I made sure he stayed safe and still had the maximum amount of self-determination possible.

More examples: One day he was walking a little bit more slowly, and we discovered an in-grown toe nail. Instead of making an appointment with the doctor, and waiting a few days, I immediately took him to get a pedicure. I use common sense solutions.

In addition, when he was hospitalized, prior to the residential home, I purchased and brought him a record player, along with a few of his favorite records from home (Willy Nelson, Ballad of the Green Beret.) It was wonderful to see because he remembered how to play a record, even if recalling breakfast was downright impossible, and he knew the lyrics. I've read the area of the brain processing lyrics and rhythm is not affected by Alzheimer's.

Also, back in 2014, I heard him complain a lot about his knee, and when I realized it was arthritis, I provided Glucosamin Chondroitin. I told him that if it did not help, he would not have to reimburse me, but if his mobility improved, he owed me the reimbursement. It helped! He was walking more. The bottom line is that I'm observant, creative with problem solving, and dedicated. Instead of buying a license to the Better Business Bureau I decided to spend the money on arthritis supplements and a record player. There's just not a license for that. :)