When Crystal Jordan was little, she spent a lot of time taking care of her sick grandmother, grand aunt, and her parents, who died when she was young. She later worked as a nursing assistant. Now, as the owner and care manager of One More Daughter, she is a devoted caregiver for many people, especially those with Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease.
Started by Jordan in 2006 with the assistance of the small business incubator Washington CASH, One More Daughter trains caregivers in assisting the sick in their own homes. "It is gratifying that the bond between clients and caregivers grows, and they become friends, through the care system," she said. Her clients range in age from the mid-70s to 95. "We're there to be companions," she says, "to assist people live better lives than they would without some help."
When she started One More Daughter, some people didn't believe that she would be able to do it. "The most important thing is not listening to people who tell you that you can't do it." Then, she smiles. "Because you will hear 'No' all the time."