Delaware National Guard member finds calling caring for seniors

NEWARK, Delaware (WPVI) — “I form of grew up round older members of the family,” stated Daren Alexander. “So, wanting again on it, it is like, I wished to present again or deal with the older era.”

Alexander, 28, is the youngest of 4 kids who grew up as the one male in his family. He was impressed by his mom to take up a name to service. So, he determined to hitch the army.

In 2016, he grew to become a member of the Delaware Nationwide Guard. Since then, he has traveled to southern Delaware to supply reduction by distributing water. He labored as safety through the civil unrest that unfolded in Wilmington after the loss of life of George Floyd. And he additionally responded to the January sixth, 2021 rebellion on the US Capitol.

However most just lately, Alexander discovered a brand new ardour: caring for seniors.

“I did what they name the COVID CNA mission,” he stated. “And I used to be despatched to Millcroft Residing in Newark, Delaware.”

The Delaware Nationwide Guard enrolled members in an accelerated two-week-long coaching program to discover ways to present reduction at healthcare establishments like Millcroft, which is reaching its fortieth 12 months serving the neighborhood.

“We have been very lucky through the COVID surge, the Delaware Nationwide Guard instituted a program to get people like Daren licensed as a CNA, licensed nursing assistant, to shortly are available and assist out our communities with our well being care staff that have been very confused and , put to the bounds,” stated Micah Terry, Regional Advertising and marketing and Gross sales Specialist with Millcroft’s mum or dad firm, Life Care Companies.

The short-term place was set to solely final just a few months. However Alexander felt a calling to remain somewhat longer. Since then, he has change into a full-time worker.

“I made a decision to remain on. I felt like I used to be doing a little good, particularly connecting with the residents somewhat bit,” he stated. “I am gonna preserve it going till God tells me in any other case, if he strikes me in a special path. However I believe he informed me, ‘Keep put for some time.’”

To be taught extra concerning the Delaware Nationwide Guard or Millcroft Residing, go to their web sites.

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