male

Speaks English

Thank you for taking the time to review my profile. I am a recently retired, proud father of five who has been blessed with 4 healthy grandchildren. Being from a rather large extended family, I have had experience with caring for people from infancy through old age. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania where I helped our elderly neighbors by shoveling coal and helping with chores. As an adult, my former wife and I were foster parents. We raised many children, including three of our own. One of the foster kids had FAS and was quite a challenge. Because she had attachment issues, I planted a tree with her so that she would feel connected to something permanent. Later, when my parents became ill from cancer, I helped take care of them so they were able to pass in the comfort of their own home. I also helped a friend care for both of his parents, so they too passed in the comfort of home. The father suffered a stroke and survived for 10 years. In his later years, I changed his catheter bag, helped him to the bathroom, and fed and changed him. The mother succumbed to cancer after less than a year. I also helped her with her daily needs. I was sensitive to their discomfort and inability to take care of themselves. I prided myself on being able to make them feel comfortable and have some dignity and a sense of normalcy in their situation. Since my retirement as a project manager, I've had the pleasure of working with several clients helping them and their families with day to day needs as well as special needs such as help with oxygen, catheter maintenance, trachiometry maintenance, feeding tubes, personal hygiene, transportation, and errands. I treat the patient the way I would want to be treated. I really enjoy passing the time in the company of others. I feel that their experiences are valuable and important. Everyone should be treated with care, dignity and respect, which is what I have to offer.