Our DSP for this week is Ruth. She works at our Elgin home and has been with Living Well for a year and a half. She is kind, funny, and has a great sense of style. The people at the house appreciate her, and she is part of a great team.
Caroline Adesanya, Program Manager, says, “Ruth is amazing with what she does, and she gets along with the people here and always ready to help.”
Ruth, we appreciate you and and are grateful you made a career out of caring. Thank you for joining the Living Well team.
ABOUT RUTH
Number of years/months with Living Well: 1 year 5 months
Hobbies/Interests: I love DIY decorating and crafts. I enjoy sewing, designing, painting, and creating stuff out of something. I love interior design and my house changes with the seasons. Right now, I am leaning into yellow, then soon for October it will be orange, then Christmas which is one of my favorite seasons. My favorites seasons are Christmas and summer.
Education: I have a degree in religion and philosophy from Nigeria, and here in town I am studying healthcare systems technology at Normandale.
Job Experience/History: I have switched between quality control checks in manufacturing and healthcare like here at Living Well. For the past three years I have done healthcare, but I do love the IT part of manufacturing.
Favorite part of the job: I think my favorite part is gaining awareness of different disabilities and getting to know the strengths of the folks I care for. Getting to know them and their strengths has been great. I have also built a great relationship with Ryan here at the house. The ability to care and to actually help feel good.
Favorite or craziest work story: Building relationships with the people who live here and being able to communicate with them. We laugh a LOT and I enjoy the fact that they will argue and laugh with you. If you have not seen them in a long time they will see you and giggle. They are excited to see me when I am back to work after a break. The hugs are nice, too. And I can have great conversations here at work.
What is your motivation for coming to work: Just as soon as I started caregiving there was this bond I cannot explain. You just never know if this could happen to anyone, it could be you. The attachment we have with the people served is nice. I want to see the folks at the other houses I worked at, too. They are a part of my life. The bond you create is very awesome. I really want a life with work and home balance, and do what I enjoy.
What made you apply: I came to Living Well through Caroline, my manager. We know each other personally and go to the same church.
What makes you stay: I am here because I enjoy it. In the long run I will be part-time with school, but I will always be there. The passion for this work will always be with me.
What would you tell people interested in joining the team: I have seen younger people find it difficult, especially with clean-up and showers. And I tell them to take their minds off that part and look at the person. Look for the positives of the care part. I tell them to think that this person needs your help, that if they were not here, they would not have help. It is a mindset.
When not at work what do you like to do for fun: I love DIY and going to Home Goods. I love to cook, and I love to go to the lake when the weather is good, When I have time, I go to the lake to get fresh air on my face. I love decorating and looking for stuff to do. And to be in bed. I never take naps but will watch movies in bed.
Do you volunteer in your community or school: At church I volunteer helping to feed the hungry. We give out food and groceries. I also send support every month to my friend in Nigeria who works at an orphanage that specializes in supporting children with disabilities.
Want to nominate a DSP? Please email jessica.maurer@livingwell.org to nominate a Living Well DSP. Special thanks to Miles and Cheri Cohen for their support of DSP of Week. Want to join them in underwriting our DSP Shoutout Program? Please contact Jamee Yung for sponsorship opportunities.