Salifu B.

Look no further, you have found the most exceptional person to care for your loved one(s): Salifu, who we called Mawia, is truly one of a kind. In addition to all his trainings, he has more than 20 years of caregiving experience that he draws on to use the most effective, evidence-based practices to provide top-notch, loving care to his clients. That said, caregiving is not just a “job” to Mawia, it’s a calling and a commitment to provide the highest quality of care for his clients and their families. There are many superlatives to describe him and it’s impossible to pick just one. He’s kind, loving, attentive, compassionate, dedicated, funny, easy-going, smart, trust-worthy, hard-working, skilled, observant, intuitive, flexible, ethical, exemplary, and client-focused. He cares deeply about his clients’ health, well-being. and the quality of their life as well as the family’s needs and wishes. Most importantly, he provides care from the heart, meeting the physical and emotional needs of his clients, including going above and beyond to provide a stimulating environment. Mawia took care of my dad for almost six years from 2019 to 2025. My dad’s situation was complex and constantly changing. He had Parkinson’s Disease and had a massive stroke that severely impaired his mobility, ended his ability to verbally communicate, and caused challenging mood swings or brain misfires at times. As a result, this position was both physically and emotionally demanding and Mawia rose to meet the many challenges by connecting with my dad, understanding him as a person, and always treating him with kindness and dignity. From the beginning Mawia was an asset to our care team and instrumental in the complex problem-solving with our care providers and family members. He shared daily observations and vital statistics, along with photos and reports of special moments. Mawia’s a very careful listener and a proactive communicator and problem-solver, flagging issues and suggesting possible solutions. Every single one of my dad’s health care providers praised Mawia’s astute observations and input, and reminded us how lucky my dad was to have such an exceptional caregiver. Mawia conducted five feedings per day via an enteral feeding tube for the six years he was with my dad. He began this position transferring my dad several times throughout the day from bed, to wheelchair to lounge chair ,and took my dad on daily walks around the neighborhood (though he knew when my dad wasn’t in the mood to go and would follow his lead). When my dad was no longer able to assist in the transfers and it was no longer safe for Mawia to bear his full weight, they transitioned to using a Hoyer lift for transfers. Mawia participated in all therapy appointments (physical, occupational, and speech) so he could learn how to facilitate therapy activities and exercises at home to maintain strength and flexibility and prevent muscle atrophy and stiffness. While my dad was wheelchair-bound when Mawia arrived, he was still strong. Mawia recognized this and over time, he worked with my dad to stand to do activities at the kitchen counter. He also helped my dad work up to walking short distances with some assistance and under the guidance of a physical therapist. This was a true feat. Mawia participated in medical appointments, and kept detailed records. He also managed inventories of all home and medical supplies. At the end, Mawia provided in-home hospice care for my dad and coordinated care with our family and the hospice home visitors. Again, his experience with previous clients was super valuable and gave us a great sense of confidence and comfort in a difficult situation. My dad had three daughters who lived out of town, visited frequently, and were all involved in managing different elements of his care. It was challenging at times to coordinate with so many “cooks in the kitchen” who had different personalities and styles, and sometimes conflicting opinions. Not a problem for Mawia, who navigated everything seamlessly because he’s a diplomat, a great communicator, and he was razor focused on the end goal of providing the best possible care for our dad. Who could argue with that? Finally, I wanted to share the depth of the connection my dad and Mawia shared. Mawia is an easy guy to connect with—he’s relaxed, talkative, curious, and enjoys a good discussion on just about any topic. It’s no
surprise that those two guys hit it off, but I was still in awe of my dad’s obvious affection for Mawia given the fact that he could no longer talk. They laughed together, they watched football on Sundays, and they had so many
other everyday traditions that made life extra special for my dad. Mawia understood him, and listened to him through body language, and I think they developed such a tight bond that my dad knew Mawia had his back
always. He was my dad’s rock and he was also my dad’s translator—for his daughters, his friends, and his health care providers. Mawia “spoke” his language and they developed their own shared language too. Mawia has been an absolute angel for our family. Because he always looked out for our dad’s best interests, we never ever had to worry about him. We had such a sense of security and peace of mind, knowing that our father had the best care possible with a companion he adored. We all consider Mawia part of the family and we will cherish him forever.

- Erika K., LeanOnWe Customer, New York

We referred to Salifu as Mawia, and he cared for my father from 2017 to November 2018. My father was older and had advanced Parkinson's. Mawia took care of everything for my father and lived with him 24/7. My father also developed delirium a few months after Mawia started with him, so it was a difficult situation. My father also was not an easy person to get along with and he could be so rude to Mawia, but Mawia never overreacted and he took things in stride. Mawia kept the place very neat and clean, and helped my father with his personal needs like shaving and bathing. There was a time when Mawia took a few days off and my father actually said to Mawia that he would miss him -- I couldn't believe it because he wouldn't even say those things to me. Another time, Mawia called me up and said that my father ate his tomato soup, and that's also something unheard of because I had tried to get my dad to eat tomato soup for years. There's just something special about Mawia and we had a very positive experience with him. I recommend him highly.

- Stephanie G., New York

Salifu, who liked to be called Mawia, was the full-time caregiver for both of my parents for about three years from 2014 to the end of 2017. Both my parents had Alzheimer's, and when he started, they were in the beginning stages, but it progressed very rapidly and the days were very hard. My father got violent and tough to manage, but Mawia did not mind. I get tears in my eyes when I think of everything he did for my parents. He was an angel sent to my family. I don't know how we would have done it without him. He was a great cook and my mother would only eat his food. He would take them both to the senior center and be with them, and he helped entertain them. He's just a fabulous man. He's compassionate, and he's honest and a good-hearted person. He was with my parents until their very last breath. His support to me was amazing. I knew it immediately when I interviewed him that he was the right person for the job and God only knows how happy and grateful I am to have hired him. He is like family and you will not regret hiring him.

- Roberta M., New Jersey