Fortunata arrived in the US in 1987; she is a midwifery graduate from the Philippines. The experience of caring for her mother-in-law who had diabetes influenced her decision to embark on a journey in caregiving. A firm believer in the importance of continuing education to gain more confidence and professionalism, Fortunata completed the following programs with flying colors: Direct Support Professional Training I and II; Medications, Staff Training, and Problem Solving; Food Safety and the Prevention of Food-Related Illness; and Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and Caregiving. She is also First Aid/CPR Certified. Fortunata’s efforts have paid off. She has been providing an exceptionally high quality of senior care for the last 20 years; she has also been a recipient of numerous service awards.
Fortunata has received this compliment countless times: “You are really a good caregiver.” She knows that it takes more than technical expertise to provide proper care; it takes patience, dedication and initiative. After her husband’s untimely death in 2010, she started accepting live-in cases. For the past 3 months, she has been providing in-home care to an 88-year old patient who has diabetes mellitus and early stage dementia. When her client is in distress or is not quite himself, Fortunata doesn’t take things personally; she doesn’t overreact. She is a dedicated caregiver because it’s her nature. She has a deep concern for other people; in fact, she likes to put other people’s needs first. And she listens attentively. She also goes above and beyond what’s expected of her. If she has free time, she looks for things to do. She volunteers and does not complain.
A typical day with her client starts with her preparing breakfast. She then provides assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming. She pays close attention to hygiene. While her client reads the newspapers, she checks his blood sugar. Exercise, lunch, typing on his computer follow. Her client loves grapefruit juice which she makes every day. Her client’s safety and comfort are of utmost concern. From morning till bedtime, Fortunata occasionally asks her client how he is or if he is okay; this is probably why he calls Fortunata “mom”.
Thank you Fortunata for you patience, dedication and initiative.
