November CAREGiver of the month

Jeannette is our CAREGiver of the month for November. Jeannette has been working for Home Instead Senior Care since February 2012. 

Jeannette is a perfect caregiver in as much as she REALLY cares for people! She truly enjoys being with her clients and chatting with them. She loves hearing their stories and according to her; for the most part working with her clients doesn't seem like work at all. "For example what other job would allow their staff to drive to the Conservatory on a Sunday morning, sniff the beautiful flowers & plants, accompanied by a client who is absolutely delighted to be there, and also get paid?”

Why did you decide to become a CAREGiver?  It was my friend Sylvia who suggested I look into CAREGiving. I had recently left full-time employment to focus on starting my own business. It was early days for the business so I had a lot of time available to do other things. One day I was saying to Sylvia I was looking for a flexible work position preferably working with seniors as I had really enjoyed working with this age group in my previous position. With an overwhelming amount of enthusiasm she said, "You've got to call Julie!" I did and the rest is a happy history.  

What is your most memorable or happiest moment(s) with your clients?  There are so many it is difficult to identify just one though last Halloween I dressed one of my 90ish year old clients up as a witch (a very gorgeous looking witch) feather boa, orange & black stripped stockings, a great hat and a stuffed black cat. We then went for a stroll around the hospital handing out candy....she was tickled pink with all the complements especially from the folks waiting in the E.R.  

What advice do you have for any new CAREGivers?  Ask your client about their life. The stories are fascinating.

What do you enjoy doing on your days off? Hobbies you have or groups that you belong to?   I work very part time with Home Instead so when I am not off visiting or running a client to an appointment I work on growing my own business, being with family and friends, volunteering at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival, the Children's Book Mart/Sell and on a variety of other projects. When the weather turns cold & snowy I like to curl up under a blanket and read.

October CAREGiver of the Month

Philip, our CAREGiver of the month for October, has been with us since January 2013. Philip is a good-hearted and compassionate man who always goes above and beyond for his clients.

Philip was looking for work that would enrich his life and the lives of others. He says, "Helping people is one of the most rewarding things you can do emotionally."

Philip enjoys spending time with his clients and becoming a part of their lives. His favorite moments with his clients is when he arrives for a visit and gets a big smile.

He advises new caregivers to treat your clients the way you would treat your mom and dad, or the way you would like to be treated yourself. He feels that the most important word in caregiving is empathy.

When Philip isn't working with his clients he paints and does a lot of drawing. He also loves listening to music and going for walks.

Thank you, Philip, for all that you have brought to Home Instead Senior Care.

September CAREGiver of the Month

Melinda has been with us for about a year now. She is a wonderful, patient and flexible caregiver who is always ready to take on new clients. Melinda loves cooking for her clients which makes them very happy.

When asked why she decided to become a CARE Giver she said that she felt she could serve the community and contribute to the well-being of the many seniors and that working with them gives her a great sense of satisfaction and a very rewarding feeling.

What she loves most about being with her clients are the great conversations that she has with each and every one of them.

The advice Melinda would give to new CAREGivers is that no matter what the situation, create a happy surrounding, make sure that no one feels left out, and to treat everyone with dignity and respect.

When Melinda is not working with her clients she likes to spend time with her husband. They like traveling, camping, fishing, and playing golf. She also volunteers a local senior centre. Way to go, Melinda!!

Melinda, thanks for all that you do for Home Instead Senior Care and your clients.

August CAREGiver of the month

Congratulations to Donna, our CAREGiver of the month! Donna is one of our longest working caregivers. She has been with us since February 2008. Donna is a feisty, energetic woman who makes long lasting relationships with her clients.

 “I became a caregiver because I had time on my hands and saw the ad in the paper and thought I would give it a shot. Never looked back since that day. It has been rewarding in more ways than I can count.

My very first client was Edna (bless her soul) and we became very good friends. One night I had her for dinner here at my house with my family and she stood up on her own accord and toasted us for taking her to our home and loving her like we did. Not a dry eye after that toast. Thanks Brian for paring me up with this gem of a lady.

My advice is enjoy what you do and enjoy your clients as they really have a lot to offer with their wisdom and wit. 

On my days off I do respite work for a young family who have a very disabled girl and also another girl; love them to bits. I also volunteer for the Never Alone Foundation which is a non-profit organization that helps families deal with cancer. Love my time there. 

I also golf and bowl and drive my husband crazy. Life is good 

Once again thank you Brian for taking me on and giving me a purpose. You have a great organization which is much needed.     

Thanks so much,

Donna” 

Thank YOU, Donna. We very much value your contribution to our organization and clients.