Denyce is a DCW from the Hermitage Office who has been working for CRI since 2008. She started to love to care for others when she took care of her aunt. She then wanted to take care of others and help them live an independent life. She helps consumers with everyday activities and assists them when they ask for help.
Q: And can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
I’m originally from Florida. I’ve been doing personal care majority of my life. I am a CNA also. It’s a certified nursing assistant.
Q: And how did you hear about CRI?
I was doing the consumer model at first when I first moved up here. And I move up from West Palm Beach, Florida, in ’05. And I decided to go the agency model. I had seen an ad in the paper, I believe.
Q: And how long … Did you say how long you worked for them, though?
July of ’08.
Q: How did you know this career was something for you?
My aunt actually had got me into this career doing this. And I just, I love working for people and I like to be helpful. And, yeah. And the compassion that you see in people when you walk in, they show the appreciation of you.
Q: Were there any challenges you faced with consumers? And how were you able to overcome these challenges?
I have. I’ve had some, when I first walk in. I’ve walked in and they’ve been kind of erupt, and kind of short and maybe from past issues that have come up with them. But I just listen to them and let them talk. And then I tried to answer with a positive.
Q: Why did you choose your position and not a PCA or a direct care?
Oh, because my aunt, she used to … She was a nurse and she got me into it when I was like 18, 19. I used to do work through her with a lot of my jobs and working with the elderly people. I just love them. I think elderly people, they have, there’s so much, they have so much wisdom and they have a lot to offer you.
Q: Could you tell me an instance how you connect with the consumer on a personal level? What kind of talk?
“Some of them will talk about their disability. Actually, I’ve worked with a lot of different, I guess, disabilities myself. And some others will talk about their family and then some like to vent. I get a lot of that.”
Q: If I talk to your consumer, what would they say they like the most about you?
“They just like that I do take charge. They don’t have to ask me to do certain stuff. I will offer it. I think they like that about me. I do like to keep busy when I’m at a consumer’s home. My personality, I guess, too. They all say I’m just nice as could be. No, I just listen to them. I listen to them and I don’t take over like it’s my home. I respect everything.”
Q: Do you have any hopes for your consumers?
“Yeah. Get their independence on how they would like to be in life and try to keep them active as could be.”
Q: Would you recommend this job to somebody else?
“Yes, I do. I do recommend it. I know quite a few people that are in this field, so that are nurses, which I like.”
Q: How do you help people keep their independence?
“Say for instance, if they can’t get a cup open and if get aggravated, I try to keep them independent. So it’s not like I’m being a need until I see them struggling. Then I’ll step in. You know what I’m saying? I also let them know that this is also some form of exercise for them too, as far as even picking up their food. Because a lot of my consumers are high needs consumers and they’re usually pretty happy.”
