[humanser] best practices

[Ericka]

Lisa, JD is right. One of the best jobs I ever had though part time, was activity assistant at a nursing home.
There are lots of day programs out there for people with Alzheimer's and other dementias. I think you're probably well-qualified for something like that. It may not be well-paying but the experience alone would be worth it. I volunteered on and off for several years in these type of programs. Most of the time they were very welcoming to someone with a disability. I'm talking about the staff. The attendees usually are thrilled to have someone different like they are. They can relate to you more than someone able-bodied.

Don't give up! I've never worked full-time and I mostly volunteered because my seizure meds have been screwed up on and off. I'm in the same place you are. I am looking to get back into the job force. I worked mostly with seniors but I'm looking for a different turn. I wish you the best of luck and keep us posted.

Ericka Short
"Friends are like flowers in the garden of life"

Sent from my iPhone

> On Sep 27, 2015, at 10:30 PM, JD Townsend via humanser <humanser at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 
> Hello Lisa,
> 
> 30 years seems like two lifetimes, however your insight and skills have
> grown with you.  Do not look at the time laps as a problem, as the time you
> spent away from your field has added to your person.  I have a good friend
> who received her degree at age 65, but her life history gives her an
> advantage over the young ones out there.
> 
> There are multiple ways to do the work you wish, as a psychotherapist with a
> 2-year master's degree, as a case manager with no college degree, or
> something in the middle.
> 
> Activity directors at skilled nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and
> in adult day care all need committed folks.  Larger psychiatric hospitals
> often have gerontology units and need mental health techs.
> 
> Most colleges have "Women's Centers" that offer assistance in figuaring out
> a good career focus.
> 
> Be what you wish to be and do good work.
> 
> 
> 
> JD
> -----Original Message----- From: Lisa Irving via humanser
> Sent: Sunday, September 13, 2015 6:55 PM
> To: humanser at nfbnet.org
> Cc: Lisa Irving
> Subject: [humanser] best practices
> 
> Hello All,
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> I After a long absence from the workforce I am making efforts to reinvent
> myself and return to my original vocational calling; serving older adults.
> Eventually, I would like to begin working as a Recovery and Wellness
> Educator for older adults living with mental illness/mental health
> challenges.
> 
> 
> 
> Although I have two undergraduate degrees and a couple of certificates I
> consider myself a para professional. Due in part to my college degrees being
> almost 30 years old. My certificate in gerontology is about twenty years
> old. I have mixed feelings about pursuing higher education. On the other
> hand, I have toyed with the idea of perhaps earning a graduate degree in
> gerontology. Is anyone familiar with National University's online
> Gerontology M. S. degree program? I've also toyed around with the notion of
> getting different B. S. degree; perhaps a degree in Human Services as a case
> worker. Meanwhile, I've got bills to pay and need to work. I welcome hearing
> from you.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Warmly,
> 
> Lisa Irving
> 
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> JD Townsend LCSW
> Helping the light dependent to see.
> Daytona Beach, Earth, Sol System 
> 
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