Care Aide – Adult Foster Care Community
Private family-run residence | 1984–1986

 

A family from my church operated a small adult foster care community on their property, consisting of individual cabin-style homes designed for seniors to live comfortably and independently with support. I was hired to provide daily assistance and companionship to residents, making regular door-to-door check-ins to ensure their needs were met.

This was my first caregiving role and strongly influenced my later interest in care-focused work.

 

Responsibilities & Skills:

Delivered meals and assisted with daily routines

Performed light housekeeping and basic home support

Provided companionship, conversation, and emotional support

Spent time with residents watching television and listening to their life stories

Accompanied residents to the senior center via shuttle bus

Supervised group outings and ensured all residents returned safely

Monitored resident well-being and reported concerns to supervisors

 

A Memorable Lesson in Great Danes (and Humility)

 

The Altmans also had a Great Dane, older than a puppy, younger than sensible, and absolutely overflowing with energy. She usually stayed in the basement, and one day Mrs. Altman asked me to go down and feed her.

I loved dogs and had never seen a Great Dane in real life, so I happily volunteered.

I went down the stairs, picked up the food bowl, and walked over to the trash can where they kept the kibble. That’s when the dog decided this was the greatest moment of her entire life. She enthusiastically pressed me against the wall, and I quickly realized two things: 1. I couldn’t escape, and 2. No one could hear me yelling from the basement.

 

So I waited.

Eventually, I was missed, and Mrs. Altman came down to investigate and rescued me from my overly affectionate captor. We all had a good laugh, but I was never asked to feed the dog again. Mrs. Altman kindly explained that I didn’t quite have enough “lead in my britches” to handle that particular job.

She wasn’t wrong. 😄