Susan S. Care Companion in Iowa City, IA 52245

I am an aunt to seven nieces and nephews, and babysat them/was responsible for them at various times in their lives. I was their parent-figure at times for an hour or two, for a weekend, and twice for a week. I have volunteered in elementary classrooms, and with WE Ride (Women Empowerment Riders). WE Ride encourages 7- to 16-year-old girls from under-resourced households to build confidence through learning biking skills. I'm also a neighbor to several kids 6 and under with whom I’ve developed relationships.

In addition, when my mother was aging, I was her primary companion for about six months. When she went into an assisted living home, I was her primary caregiver and companion, aside from those working at the assisted living home. I periodically gave her baths, helped her in and out of tubs, showered her, rubbed her feet, sang to and with her, walked with her, took her out for picnics and drives, played Scrabble with her, facilitated phone calls with family members, and in general tried to give her reasons to live. I also hired and communicated closely with a caregiver who spent a few hours/week with mom.

Additionally, I developed relationships with staff at the home, and with doctors, social workers and other healthcare providers. It was one of the most rewarding two years of my life.

(This is a partial list of my responsibilities, and does not include such tasks as finances and transport.)