Evelyn O. Care Companion in Pittsburgh, PA 15216

My name is Evelyn and I am 39 years old, fully vaccinated, a non-smoker, have my own reliable transportation, and currently reside in the Sunset Hills area of Mt. Lebanon.
A little about me - I have 25+ years experience working with children of all ages. Recently, I have been caring for an 87 year old woman for the past 2.5 years or so though she is now transitioning to a senior care facility.
I have a Master’s degree in Applied Developmental Psychology with a focus in working with children who have been through trauma, ultimately becoming certified as a Child Life Specialist.
I spent 5 years working for the Children’s Hospital of Pgh following graduate school and I am CPR-certified for both adults, children, and infants as well as for Basic Life Support. I have FBI clearances, FBI fingerprinting from working in a hospital and I’m fully vaccinated. References will be provided.
At the bottom of this message, I’ve included examples of activities that the 87 year old woman that I was a companion for seemed to really enjoy.
Along with those enrichment activities that can be seen below, other tasks that I’m happy to perform (once I understand what is expected from me 🙂) include any basic cleaning that doesn’t take away from my time serving as a companion. For instance, I’m more than happy to wipe down/disinfect surfaces and common areas, load/unload the dishwasher, fold/put laundry away, help to get a meal started, run errands, make beds, and so on.
A quick aside, the examples I’ve included below would be posed as options - my goal is for no one ever to feel frustrated or to feel the need to be “polite” and acquiesce even if they’re not feeling up to it!
** Some activities the woman I spent time with:
• reading books aloud (I think my child development background helps here, I get very into my reading aloud!)
• watching old or any movies - and I have no problem watching or listening to movies and songs over and over (🙂)
• simple card games
• sorting activities
• writing (or dictating) cards to loved ones
• scrap-booking/collage making - cutting pictures out of old magazines and calendars, either choosing a theme or just picking images that call to you, this activity can be great for 2+ people and can go on as long as the conversation and the creativity lasts
• simple recipes where she can be proud of a product

Thanks! Please feel free to reach out with any questions!

- Evelyn Och
evie.och@gmaiil.com