Congratulations to Refer-a-Friend Winner Debra Fazio

Caregiverlist Refer-a-Friend to the Caregiverlist Job Application Winner of January, 2013  Debra Fazio from Santa Rosa, CA.

Congratulations to Caregiver Debra Fazio winner of a free t-shirt, lapel pin and monthly Grand Prize - $50 Gift Certificate to any of the Darden Restaurants: Red Lobster, Olive Garden, Bahama Breeze, Longhorn Steakhouse, The Capital Grille, Eddie V's and Seasons 52.

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

What led you to begin a career in caregiving?
My first experience with Caregiving was when my son Joshua was born with Cerebral Palsy, his needs were many and throughout the years he relied on me for most of his personal needs being he was  paraplegic. It was through the years I became a true caregiver and advocate for special needs. Therefore later in my life it was only natural I could help others as I had help Joshua.
What is one of your most memorable caregiving experiences?
My most memorable moment was when I took on a patient that was thought to have some dementia and a sprained groin muscle after working with him for three weeks I knew that there was much more wrong and advocated to the family to bring him to the doctors. The family had in-home nurses visiting him every week and they felt his pain was from a pulled muscle in which they were treating with therapy.  It turns out, after visiting the doctors, they found out he had bone cancer and it had spread through most of his body. I stayed with him throughout radiation treatment until he passed away. I learned a lot from being an advocate for my son and here I was able to help again.
How many years have you been a caregiver?
Most of my adult life as I cared for my son, but as far as a paid caregiver, as a professional, for about 12 years.
What has being a caregiver taught you?
It has taught me to listen to my client.  They always surprise me with how much they are trully aware of their own needs. It has taught me to be patient and loving,  It has taught me both boundaries and professionalism at the same time.
How do you manage the stress that comes with caregiving?
I always take care of myself first. I don't work more than 5 days a week and I keep my life in perspective.