Andrea Catarina

Education

Honours Bachelor Degree (NFQ Level 8)

Languages

English

Age Groups

55 - 65 Years65 to 75 Years75 to 85 Years85+ Years

Native Language: EnglishHas Own TransportationComfortable With PetsAvailable On Short NoticeNon-SmokerCV Available

About Andrea

My name is Andrea Catarina Siqueira da Silva. I first came to Dublin in January 2009. I was an exchange consultant and won a four-week course. I could have chosen any country to study in, but after reading the history of Ireland, I was captivated and chose to come here. I studied at Alpha College near Parnell Street. I loved the culture, the people, food, and I had an excellent impression of the country despite only staying in Dublin. Years later, I needed to improve my English, and in April 2017, I didn't hesitate to return to the country to learn more and travel. I took an English course at ISE School and studied for two years at CCT College Business because I had already studied Marketing in Brazil. Ireland became my new home. I adapted, created bonds and connections with people, and with the way of life. My English has improved greatly, I have an international degree, I obtained my 1G visa, the country has given me opportunities I never imagined. And I found a father I didn't have in Brazil: Mr. Jim. All of this is still very emotional for me. But today I work as a Home Caregiver. I realized I'd always been very good at sales, hitting targets, and having many clients. But I realized this talent I have is because I truly love people and love caring for them. And I discovered this while living with an elderly couple, James and Joan in Catleknock, where I lived with them from September 16, 2017, until the end of February 2024. I didn't work in the house; I just had to be there at night in case something happened to the couple, because Mr. Jim had fallen down the stairs. I was just there to notify the family in case of an emergency. He always waited for me for dinner so we could talk about many things, but the main thing was God and the Bible. The Irish Home Care company assisted Mr. Jim and Joan, and I knew many of the caregivers I cared for at the home. With the arrival of COVID-19, they were the most affected, and I stopped working at McDonald's. Although he was completely independent, the signs of aging were already showing. I started caring for them more, even though the caregivers were scarce they either contracted the disease or needed to visit other clients with greater needs. I cared for Mr. Jim until his last two breaths. He had two wounds on his legs that I cared for. I bathed him because his left side was paralyzed, I fed him breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and I slept next to him on a mattress on the floor. And I would have done much more if I had known he was going to die. I had the opportunity to give him his last bath; he died healed of his wounds and returned to God. I also cared for Joan until her death. Before his death, he left a letter to his family telling living their home until I finished college. He protected me like a father. I worked at a Store for almost three years, but I wasn't happy, so I contacted Home Care, formerly the Supervisor and now the Manager. I asked if I could work as a caregiver, and in October 2024, I started working with them. And it has been the best experience of my life. Every client I visit, I do the same for Mr. Jim, who gave me all the opportunities in the country. Without him, none of this would have happened. And what have I learned? To serve with love! Because that's what Jesus set the example for us when he lived with us on Earth. And that's what Mr. Jim gave me: a home, love, and security.

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