Introduction: Greetings, my name is Anne Kristen and I've been working with families as a private assistant nurse or caregiver. I wasn't happy with the level of care my father was receiving when he had a stroke and so began courses to be the aide or nurse I knew he deserved, when we still lived in the South. My husband and I moved up here because of his job, and since 2010, I have worked with patients who have had strokes, have Parkinson's Disease, type one and type two diabetics, Alzheimer's, dementia, (CHF)- Congestive heart failure, vascular dementia, assistance pre op and post operatively. I've dealt with colostomies, urostomies, sponge baths when needed, assistance cognatively, assistance toileting and showering, incontinence, making sure meds are taken on time and regular activities such as getting dressed. I've helped with paliative care and hospice patients as well as those who just need someone to be near by and make sure they get their breakfast or dinner and some companionship. I particularly enjoy working nights and have worked with children as young as 4 months through the age of 98. I have references and if an emergency occurs, I will do my best to help out as quickly as possible (I e. your current provider doesn't show or is Ill). Your loved one's safety and comfort are the most important parts of my job. Generally, I will not take shifts longer than 72 hours: (generally, this will be a weekend Friday through Sunday), but there are occaisional exceptions.
I have also gone on trips with families who want to be able to know their loved ones are being looked after during the night. This allows the family to have their time together without being exhausted from taking care of their loved one all night. I have traveled to British Columbia, Idaho, Florida, and Oregon just to name a few of the places I've traveled to working with families. Of course, I need advanced notice, but if you need assistance, the worst answer I can give you is, "no".
Except in very rare cases, I insist on meeting those involved. At the very least, insist on speaking on the phone and Interviewing using something like FaceTime or Skype. There really is no exception for a face to face meeting with someone I may be working with. If we mesh then that is wonderful, but if we don't, then at least we know prior to being together for a long shift.
I am not against traveling, but if you're far away, I would expect some compensation for my time. If you're needing someone to come to you in Portland or Seattle, I will usually take the train or drive, but the majority of my work is done in the tri-cities area. I hope you will consider me the next time you or a loved one needs assiatance.
Also, I am comfortable with animals of all sorts and pets help their humans in many ways, especially keeping blood pressure at a good level.
