April Twaddell
Naperville,IL
Summary
Compassionate Activity Director that possesses a gentle touch and caring attitude centered on treating people with dignity and respect. Expertise in Therapeutic Recreation with Dementia patients. A collaborative team player with strong clinical and interpersonal skills.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
Work History
Private Elderly Caregiver
Self-employeed
03.2025 - Current
- Performed light housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean and comfortable living environment for clients.
- Enhanced client safety by closely monitoring health conditions and promptly addressing any concerns.
- Delivered nutritious meals tailored to individual dietary needs while respecting client preferences.
- Managed medications according to physician orders, ensuring proper administration and adherence to schedules.
Private Elderly Caregiver
Self-employeed
12.2019 - Current
- Facilitated social engagement for clients by organizing outings, accompanying them on walks, or engaging in conversation.
- Improved elderly clients' quality of life by providing compassionate and attentive care.
- Collaborated with family members and healthcare professionals to develop comprehensive care strategies for optimal results.
- Built and maintained rapport with clients and family members to facilitate trusting caregiver relationship.
Private Elderly Caregiver
Self-employeed
09.2021 - 03.2022
- Performed light housekeeping tasks to maintain a clean and comfortable living environment for clients.
- Assisted clients with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting for improved hygiene.
- Facilitated social engagement for clients by organizing outings, accompanying them on walks, or engaging in conversation.
- Delivered nutritious meals tailored to individual dietary needs while respecting client preferences.
Activity Director
Washington Square Retirement Community
06.2000 - 07.2003
- Planned resident outings and special events to mark holidays and celebrate special occasions.
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and facility policies by maintaining accurate documentation of activity programs.
- Developed monthly life enrichment calendar and published electronically and in print.
- Developed strong relationships with residents and their families, fostering a supportive community environment.
- Designed wide variety of activities to stimulate interest, involvement, and engagement of patients.
Activity Director
Meadowbrook Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation
06.1998 - 06.2000
- Ensured compliance with state regulations and facility policies by maintaining accurate documentation of activity programs.
- Developed monthly life enrichment calendar and published electronically and in print.
- Developed and lead intergenerational activities to encourage mental agility of patients.
- Worked with nursing team to identify and document changes in patient mental acuity and physical abilities.
- Addressed challenging behaviors exhibited by some residents during group settings through effective communication strategies that maintained a positive atmosphere.
- Trained new activity staff members on program development procedures and best practices for engaging diverse populations of older adults.
- Maintained running inventory of supplies and purchases to monitor budget expenditures.
- Coordinated special events such as holiday celebrations or themed parties to enhance overall quality of life within the community setting.
- Supervised Activities Assistant and conducted performance evaluations.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams to create holistic care plans addressing the physical, cognitive, emotional, and social needs of each resident.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure adequate resources were allocated for all planned activities and events.
Education
No Degree - Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Triton College
River Grove, ILSkills
- Compassionate caregiving, social interaction
- Dementia care
- Personal hygiene assistance
- End-of-life care
- Alzheimer's care
- Housekeeping duties, meal preparation
- Medication management
- Medical appointment coordination
- Mobility assistance
- Palliative care
- Incontinence care
Timeline
Private Elderly Caregiver
Self-employeed
03.2025 - Current
Private Elderly Caregiver
Self-employeed
09.2021 - 03.2022
Private Elderly Caregiver
Self-employeed
12.2019 - Current
Activity Director
Washington Square Retirement Community
06.2000 - 07.2003
Activity Director
Meadowbrook Manor Nursing & Rehabilitation
06.1998 - 06.2000
No Degree - Therapeutic Recreation Specialist
Triton College
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