Star Houck has been working directly with elderly people for over 8 years. She started her journey employed by a prominent memory care facility in SE Portland, working first as a caregiver then as a medication aide. It was here that Star began to recognize that often the physical needs (or ADLs) of an elderly individual are taken care of, while the mental, social, and emotional needs of the person are left unattended. Star experienced firsthand the importance of resident to caregiver ratios that are often unreasonably high in long-term care facilities, leaving caregivers stressed and overworked, while the elderly patients that they truly care about do not receive the holistic care they deserve.
After moving on, and obtaining her Certified Nurses Assistant's (CNA) license, Star began to look for employment at a smaller home where she could provide more thorough and complete care. Star found a wonderful position at a small adult care home in SW Portland that provided care to only five elderly individuals. Here, Star was able to attend to the physical needs of individuals, while also having the time to socialize and truly get to know the elderly people in her care, developing deep connections and a rare familiarity with residents and their families. With the endorsement and time allotment from her boss, Star used her knowledge of the five residents to plan fun and stimulating one-on-one activities, working to provide variety but also observing what each individual seemed to enjoy most.
Star felt as though she had found her calling. She decided to move away from providing personal care and began spending all of her time interacting with elderly people on a social level, assisting with outings and in-home activities, as well as providing companionship. Star founded PEAR and has been working to serve elderly clients in fun and creative ways ever since.
After moving on, and obtaining her Certified Nurses Assistant's (CNA) license, Star began to look for employment at a smaller home where she could provide more thorough and complete care. Star found a wonderful position at a small adult care home in SW Portland that provided care to only five elderly individuals. Here, Star was able to attend to the physical needs of individuals, while also having the time to socialize and truly get to know the elderly people in her care, developing deep connections and a rare familiarity with residents and their families. With the endorsement and time allotment from her boss, Star used her knowledge of the five residents to plan fun and stimulating one-on-one activities, working to provide variety but also observing what each individual seemed to enjoy most.
Star felt as though she had found her calling. She decided to move away from providing personal care and began spending all of her time interacting with elderly people on a social level, assisting with outings and in-home activities, as well as providing companionship. Star founded PEAR and has been working to serve elderly clients in fun and creative ways ever since.