Caregiving Story

I have cared for many, many elders in my life. I have done in-home care for my dearest friend, Helen Marie, who died at age 90 (today is her birthday)and my friend Mim who died at age 84, just this past holiday season. They were the finest women anyone could ever know. I was fortunate enough to be a program coordinator for a small adult day treatment program in Juneau, Alaska, for frail men and women and also those with mild to severe memory issues. I loved caring for and planning activities for these beautiful folks. To most people's surprise, we all had fun together despite their so-called impairments. I chose the best staff ever and together we had a top-notch program for the best folks ever. I have also cared for the animals of elders and elder dogs. I recently participated in a hospice program for a 15-year-old canine named Coty. She danced with dignity out of her beautiful body the last day in January this year (just a month after Mim). I have had many jobs - university teacher, preacher, clinic manager, holistic health practitioner but my favorite and most dear to my heart is a senior caregiver.