Congratulations to our March aide of the month! Mary Edwards has been working for Family & Children’s Service for 9 years. She received her certification in New York and moved to New Jersey shortly after.

Mary’s father became ill and she had to care for him. She wanted to be the only one to help with his care, so all of his needs would be met. Mary’s experience influenced her decision to attend a CHHA course. Her mission was to help more individuals who were in critical conditions similar to her dad.

All CHHAs must complete 76 hours of specialized training, pass a competency evaluation, and undergo a criminal background check before becoming certified and licensed by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. CHHAs work under the guidance and direction of a Registered Nurse and must undergo training in personal care skills, including bathing, dressing, shopping, meal preparation, Range of Motion assistance, and a variety of other tasks.

Mary was selected to be the March aide of the month for going above and beyond her duties. When asked where her clients would be without her care, she responded: “My clients would be lonely”.

She shared that her clients are overwhelmed if she misses a service appointment. Mary assists with personal care including bathing, dressing, and preventing falls.

Mary would tell someone who was becoming an aide: “Try not to always think about the money and focus on helping the individuals who are in desperate situations. Make sure you take care of your clients like they are a relative”.

Thank you Mary, for all of your hard work and again, congratulations.

Author: Ty-Kiera Brown
Home Care Coordinator