Samantha Barrera

My experience in caring for my grandpa has led me to discover what I am good at. My ability to have extreme patience and understanding has found me a place as a caregiver. I used to be called by my family to watch after my grandpa when they had things they needed to do, and that was a start to my eventually getting hired to be his caregiver. It is in me to have a want to listen to what elderly people have to say, and to take their concerns seriously. I even take great delight when their dementia comes into play because it is extremely silly. At the age of sixteen, I was a student at an assisted living facility where I had the opportunity to spend time with elderly individuals. Prior to that time I hadn’t really known what it was like. I got to know the residents at this facility and I was able to assist in meeting their needs. There I gained an understanding about the need to play along with them but also lead them in the right direction. When my grandpa talks about an old friend who lives right around the corner, I turn in the direction he points to and nod my head in approval. Then when he wants to get up and go there, I remind him that his knees aren't in good condition to get him there and with that it's safer to stay put. I then find something comforting that will keep him there. Now I know the proper way to go about doing things with an elderly, whether it be getting them in or out of bed, assisting with bathing or bathroom use, or just socializing with them. I have grown so much professionally from my younger years to now.