Meet Hospice Aide Mikelle Childress

Throughout CNA Week, we'll be introducing you to just a few of the many dedicated and compassionate hospice aides who care for our patients. CNAs are also called HHAs, STNAs and hospice aides. Today, meet Mikelle Childress from our Cleveland office.

How did you become a hospice aide?

I’ve been an aide for over 10 years. I did a lot of travelling work. I was in Hawaii for 13 weeks. I did home care for different facilities. I love it.

It started at home. My mom and my aunt are in healthcare. When I would see what they do and the care they give, I knew that was something special.

Then I cared for my grandmother, and then again for my grandfather.

What do hospice aides do?

We provide patient care. It’s just like being in a facility. You provide companionship, personal care, extra care than what they would already receive at home or in the facility. You make sure their hair is combed and brushed. That their nails are filed. You know it’s making an impact because they tell you all the time, “please come back. You really made my day.”

Tell us about a patient who made a big impact on you.

One patient that just passed was really special to me. She was 101 and a half years old and she would make a point of that “and a half.” She was cute. She still did everything on her own and she was just a real sweet lady. We became very familiar. When I would have a week off, she’d say, “Miki, don’t you ever leave again.” A lot of the patients get to me, but she really got to me.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Speaking for Crossroads, besides all the care we give, the last hours we’re bedside, and no other company does that. But we’re here to help to the end.