Personal Information: As a parent and foster parent, I have had many years of experience caring for children, especially infant and preschool age. I have worked as a school bus drive for many years, at a daycare and nanny for 3 years. For the last 2 years, I have been a companion to a senior in a care home. While I enjoyed spending time with my client, in the end I found it too sedentary and not as challenging as I would like. I have had many years of experience running my own household for up to 8 people which meant doing all the cooking, cleaning, laundry, errands and organizing my day in such as a way as to complete all the tasks. Meanwhile I still needed to care for children as well. I actually enjoy doing housekeeping tasks and like to see a job well done.

My first experience in providing care was when my sister was diagnosed with a brain tumour. I provided companionship for her almost daily while she was in the hospital in Winnipeg for about 4-6 hours a day. When she was transferred back to Brandon, I went and stayed with her as often as I was able to, and would be with her for at least 8 hours a day and at the last, almost 24 hours. By this time, she was limited in her communication and I would make sure she was being cared for as needed. To provide comfort, I often sang hymns to her and just talked to her. For 2 years, I was a companion to a senior in a care home. My responsibilities include assisting as required with eating and drinking, providing snacks that my client enjoys, companionship, making sure that is provided with what she needs throughout the day. As part of this position, I kept a journal of our day and sending it to family members on a weekly basis. My client has a form of dementia so I log the behavior that I observe on a daily basis and report to the staff and the family as required. I did enjoy this position, but, in the end, found it too sedentary. I enjoy being active and providing a pleasant environment. I have been a volunteer for Cancer Care to provide transportation to and from appointments. I have always received compliments on the care I gave my clients and on my driving skills. I would be prepared to take my clients on outings, provide meal preparation, housekeeping, laundry and try to promote activities that are stimulating and that they would enjoy. Additional Experiences/Qualifications: I have a current Child/Senior/Vulnerable Abuse Registry Check as well as a current Criminal Record Check. I have previously taken CPR/First Aid many times. I also have a Class 2 licence for which I need a yearly medical. While working at a daycare center, I was an inclusion support worker for about 18 months for a child with severe Cerebral Palsy. He required to be fed by tube. My youngest granddaughter is also fed by tube and I provide care for her often.