I am pleased to comment here, and here is my story.

I took on the complete caregiving responsibilities for my parents and thus freed my sister to live her life while I gave care. I felt blessed to be able to free my sister since she had raised 4 kids on her own.

My background:

I cared for both my Father and Mother in my home. He eventually died, and she succumbed to the long-term effects of Alzheimer's. That experience as a dedicated caregiver over 7 years, has created in me a desire to continue giving care. It's been a year now, and I do want to use my lovely home in Plano, TX to provide care for a single female, either providing adult day care, or providing care when their caregiver needs a temporary relief from caregiving, or any other required arrangement - including weekends.

I am so serious about this, that I focused on acquiring formal training. I am currently trained in: CPR and First Aid. In addition, I am trained in:

Alzheimers Care

Activities of Daily Living

Cultural diversity,

Medications and reactions

Vital signs.

Behavior management.

Diseases/illnesses of the elderly

Infection control

Safety Training.

I have been a career project manager with a Masters in Education degree. Now I am redirecting my life to provide relief to caregivers. My goal is to provide personal care to an individual who is still able to walk. I am in the process of registering for a LVN certificate at Grayson County College, but that will take a year to complete.

Fortunately for me, The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services indicates that I can offer Level 1 care as a facility offering just one bed. This allows certain personal care and supervision tasks under applicable rules by the Board of Nurse Examiners in 22 TAC 218.1 et seq. Delegation and supervision by a registered nurse may be required for certain tasks.

I remember how I would have welcomed at times, some relief, maybe a day or a couple of days relief from caregiving duties, as I was also working full time. However I did not want to put my Mom into an assisted living home or group home environment. I wanted her to always be in a home where she could receive individual, 24 x 7 focus, grooming and affection, as I was able to give her. I wanted her to always feel at home. So I soldiered on.

I would love to relieve families in my North Dallas, TX area from caregiving if I could. I have patience, and respect for the aging process and a lot of love for those who cannot help themselves.

I can be reached at marierichards@hotmail.com