Sarah B. Care Companion in Cleveland, TN 37312

The majority of my experience in caring for the elderly is from caring for my aged father who is a little over 60.

He is completely blind and has a severe mental illness. There have been times when his primary caregiver had to take a break. During those times (which might be a day, might be a week), I would cook for and feed him, do housework and laundry as necessary, and help him take walks to get exercise.

He still has mobility and can perform his Activities of Daily Living, but he doesn't have a seeing eye dog and he is not very good at using the cane to "see". I have to guide him, especially on the stairs to find a handrail or some means of support. It also involves being mindful of the path he is on so that uneven ground will not cause him to fall. His balance has gotten poor, but he isn't at actual risk of falling if he pauses after standing up.

I have helped him with most of these things in some manner for many years.

I love older people. I have a lot of experience listening to many of the same stories over and over. I've had two friends with brain injuries, one less mentally-abled, a friend with visual impairment, an aunt in a wheelchair, and my father - who is the extreme. I love them and I admire them and the people that choose and did not choose to have and to hold them.

My one year of paid experience comes from a dementia and Alzheimer's care facility, but I only worked in the dining room. I received many opportunities to hear stories, learn a lot of preferences (especially food), and become aware of different types of quirks.

It is important to me that the marginalized people in our communities have as many someones as possible to care for and about them. I know how hard it is to work with someone with difficult needs. After my upbringing providing help for those families who are struggling and need rest and distance sometimes is important.

Life is hard and I'd like to help.

Thanks for reading,
Sarah Brumagin