Leevern Borders is our CAREGiver of the Year for 2010. Out of all the seniors we have served since July 2007, Leevern’s client has proven to be the most challenging.
As owners, Brendan and I met with the client and his son. It was obvious immediately that the client was a major hoarder. Every room in the house was cluttered, with some rooms filled up to the door or only having narrow passing aisles. The home was in desperate need of a cleaning with his two pets, a dog and a cat, adding to the disarray.
The client was charming during our service call, with a sparkle in his eye and a quick wit. Some memory loss was evident but we decided to try and provide service to this kind man. He was all alone in a questionable area, with all family out of state. The son promised to de-clutter the dining room, kitchen, and bath and bedroom area. It was also understood that he would clear a safe pathway to the basement washer and dryer area. Needless to say the work was not done, but Brendan and several caregivers jumped in to do what they could and we started service.
Our challenges began at that point. Caregivers that tried the job asked to be removed due to allergies or inability to live with the conditions in the home. One caregiver was removed at the clients request because she was “messing with my stuff”.
Then we were blessed when Leevern Borders walked into our office. She agreed to try the job when she completed orientation. She has been there ever since, handling 6 out of 7 shifts.
Each day brings new challenges. Examples include: dealing with a bathroom that is flooded, working in a home where most of the windows wouldn’t open. Home Instead Senior Care provides fans for their comfort. Removing spoiled food is always a challenge and often the client goes out to retrieve things after Leevern is gone for the day.
Leevern engages the client in fun times as well. Cooking special meals on holidays and singing appropriate songs for the event are part of their relationship. Once, she discovered some old albums and they spent some time doing the “Jitterbug” and the client is quite the dancer! The client’s family noted that his mood changed to positive and that the home was cleaner then it had been for 20 years.
Recently, the client was to fly to Alabama for a grandson’s wedding. Leevern made all of the arrangements for transport and with our help, she walked him to the gate and made sure he was on his plane.
The day before he left, the client summed up their relationship. As they sat in the kitchen, he looked at her and said, “you are my friend, you are my only friend”. He is blessed to have her in his life and he has also enriched her life. This is what care giving is all about, and why we are so proud to have her in our lives as well.
We truly feel that she lives the values of Home Instead Senior Care and that she is deserving of the Caregiver of the Year 2010 award.
Marian and Brendan Battersby
