Congratulations to Refer-a-Friend Winner Brenda Russell

Congratulations to Caregiver Brenda Russell winner of weekly prize - 8-hour caregiver training program.

Becoming a Senior Caregiver: What led Brenda to a career in caregiving?

What led you to begin a career in caregiving? What led me to being a caregiver was my mom. I was her only caregiver 24/7 for 9 1/2 years. I know what it meant to my mother to be at home. That's what got me into caregiving.

How many years have you been a caregiver? I have been a caregiver for 23 years now.

What is one of your most memorable caregiving experiences? I have had lots of memorable caregiving experiences. Most people say I'm a natural at caregiving. I love helping people and making them happy. I think one thing that always puts a smile on my face when I think about it is a lady I took care of some 12 to 14 years ago. She was my age ( 55 now). She hadn't even tried to speak since she a tiny child (according to her sister and dad). She still ate with her hands. While I worked with her she got to where she smiled a lot. She also got to where she would speak words when she would smile.She also learned to eat with a fork or spoon. That was a very rewarding experience. My heart is so with taking care of the elderly. But that one job was different, and very rewarding too.I've worked a few end of life cases too. They are also so rewarding to know I make someone's last days as comfortable as I can and make it as easy as I can for the family. 

What has caregiving taught you? Being a caregiver has taught me many things I'm sure. I know it has taught me to try be as loving as I can be to my children and grandkids. Life can be so short it seems. It has taught me that what we have is here and now. We can't keep it forever. It has also taught me that life can be so painful and hard, but if we look around someone is having it harder. I'm so happy to be a caregiver to mean something to someone in the last days of their life.

How do you manage stress that comes with caregiving? When it comes to stress, well I think about my grandkids, and the beach as much as possible. I like to take deep breaths and relax when I can. I also like to read to take my mind away from the stress. Internet research is also distressing to me when I can find time.