January CAREGiver of the Month

Navi is our first CAREGiver of the month for 2015! She has been a caregiver with us since June, 2013. She is such a happy person and is always laughing. Navi never turns down a shift that is offered to her, including last minute shifts. She even took extra shifts over the holiday season. We asked her why she decided to become a caregiver, her most memorable moments, advice for new caregivers and what she likes to do when she’s not working.

“I grew up with extended family and from my childhood I have seen my mom and aunt helping our elder relatives and young cousins also who were recovering from leg, eye surgeries, and even newborn babies. Our home was like a little nursing home. So I learnt from my parents how amazing it feels helping others. Now I feel that same way when my loving clients gives me so many lovely blessings.
 
To me, my clients are like my family and my parents. I like when they share their feelings with me that makes me very happy. Most memorable time for me when they ask me, “will you be my daughter or can I adopt you?" Every single client I’ve had till now. They make me feel special to them.
 
 
I would like to say to my new friends "Patience is the key" in this job. There is a good times and bad times also. So just don’t take it personal. Give them your best.
 
 
During my day off I just like to spend time with my little son and specially talking to my daughter who is in India with my husband. I hope soon they will be here.”

Thanks very Navi! We are lucky to have such a happy and caring person working with our clients.

December CAREGiver of the month

Laura has been with us since fall of last year. She makes an impression on everyone that she visits and is often requested to come back to clients. 

"I worked as a caregiver in the UK and Ireland for many years and chose to stop working to help care for my grandparents. It was a very challenging time in my life but so rewarding to be giving back to them. I enjoy helping people live fulfilling, happy and independent lives and this is the biggest joy of being a caregiver for me.

My happiest moments are when I arrive at a client’s home and they open the door with a big smile on their face. They may not have had a visitor all week and it's just like visiting a good friend.

My only advice to new CAREGivers would be to be yourself. If you are genuinely caring, compassionate and honest then you will love being a caregiver. It can be so rewarding if you make the effort.

Being new to Winnipeg I spend my free time checking out different places here such as the malls, museums and events with my daughter. If it's not too cold we head to the park with the dogs."  

We are so lucky that Laura moved to Winnipeg and has become a part of the Home Instead CAREGiver family. Thank you Laura!

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.