Our Team of Home Care Professionals

I came to work in the elder community after many years of working with children in daycares, daycamps, and after school programs. My Associate’s and BA are both in Early Childhood Education from the University of Maine-Farmington. A native- born Mainer, I was born and raised in Portland. I married a local boy and we raised our two children in Cape Elizabeth, where most of us still live. I am now the proud Nana of Rachel and her husband Shawn’s daughter, Sofia (who is 4 years old, and of course brilliant and beautiful!)

In 2005 or so, when my Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and went to live at St Joseph’s Manor, I observed a whole lotta Bingo and Manicures, and precious little else. All I could think of was “If I were in charge, we could be doing SO many more unique and stimulating things” At that point, ready to re-launch my career after 8 years at home with my kiddos, I decided it was time to work with grown-ups! And since I had always had many activities and a skill base of thinking outside the box and leading big groups, I knew that all I had to do was gear up my ideas and attitude to fit a much more mature group! Thus began my career in Activity and Recreational Leadership at elder living centers in the area! During 9 years, including several at St Andre and Cedars, as well as Pine Point, I offered everything from weekly cooking with residents (followed by coffee and tasting time of course) Ice cream Sundae or root beer float carts, guest speakers, guest musicians, Group Jeopardy and on-line Crosswords, Crafting, gardening etc.

When I retired in June, a bit burned out from the 40 hour a week frenzy of “the above”, and with the limits of ssri involved, I reverted back to something I had done near the start of my career: Offered myself as a 1:1 in-home companion…part time- so I could limit AND slow my pace, but still be “up to no good” with whoever wanted to be so with me! Each day, my current client and I typically spend time socializing or playing a game with the group, get outside for fresh air, work at our crossword puzzle or jigsaw puzzle in several beautiful sun bathed spaces, read the daily news or bible passages together and dine together in the pretty group dining room. We generally try to behave ourselves, though we don’t always succeed! I also help organize and tidy her room, as needed, and assist in transfers from chair to wheelchair as needed. When she tells me I am so good to her, I tell her that I am as blessed as she is– and thankful to be with her; a fact. I truly love what I do! Aging Kingdom was a Godsend to me- and meeting Danielle an inspiration!

I look forward to meeting more of you soon!

Warmly and With Grace,

Linda Matthews