Tanika Janner

I have been a stay at home mum since the beginning of 2018. Two out of the three of my children are on the spectrum. Having children on the spectrum has taught me how important resilience is, how crucial keeping a level head is in heated situations, as well as how to be proactive and quick thinking to come up with solutions to issues that may arise. During this time, I have been faced with a variety of conflicts/issues and have needed to resolve these in a timely, safe, calm manner.

In the last couple years since my grandfathers passing, I have been an un-recognised (not paid) caregiver alongside my mother, to my grandmother who has been diagnosed with dementia, During this time I have;

• Built a strong relationship with my grandmother to deliver emotional support and companionship.
• Cleaned house, ran errands, managed laundry, and completed weekly grocery shopping.
• Improved her care by developing personalised care plans and maintaining detailed records of daily activities, as well as keeping an up to date log of her daily food intake.
• Managed household tasks efficiently, creating a clean and organized living environment conducive to her safety and wellbeing.
• Implemented behaviour management strategies for challenging behaviours linked to dementia, leading to a more harmonious home environment.
• Replaced bandages, dressings, and binders to care for wounds and encourage healing.
• Assisted her with daily living needs to maintain self-esteem and general wellness.
• Collaborated closely with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, integrating recommendations from professionals into comprehensive care plans.
• Served as a dedicated advocate for her needs when interacting with healthcare professionals or insurance companies.
• Contributed to a positive atmosphere within the home setting by engaging in meaningful conversations and recreational activities with her.