|
Serving as owner and director of Visiting
Angels of the Santa Cruz and Monterey Bay Area, I have
been involved with the senior community since I was a child.
During my pre-teen years I spent at least every other weekend
staying with my maternal grandmother, offering comfort
and support during my grandfather’s illness, hospitalization
and ultimate passing. At this early age, I learned to value
and respect the wisdom and experience of my elders. During
my teenage years I was a “candy-striper” in
our local hospital during which time I enjoyed working
with patients of all ages with feeding assistance and sharing
my love of reading with the hospital library cart.
Once I turned 18, I received my CNA certification
and began working in a convalescent hospital. During this experience
many of my patients became friends. I spent much time outside
of normal working hours providing companionship and running errands
for my special patients. I remember bringing “Applets and
Cotlets” and hairnets to one special friend. Another friend
even came to my wedding! At this time, I also became involved
with a local program assisting hemodialysis patients with home
dialysis regimens. My first patient was a young man who will
always hold a special place in my heart. This experience led
to a job as a dialysis technician in a clinic where I worked
with a wide variety of patients requiring dialysis.
Marriage and family eventually required my
full attention and I have enjoyed the years of raising our three
boys and devoting myself to a family life full of school, soccer
and baseball.
Now that my children are older, I have returned
to a true passion for me, providing assistance and support to
the senior population and others in need of such care. I currently
provide living assistance services (along with many others in
my family) for my paternal grandmother. Let me help you and your
loved ones find the perfect match in care and companionship for
your family member in need.
Jeanette Pagliaro
Visiting Angels
|
