Caregiver of the Month

"Michelle is great at what she does. She is very eager to always help and we get along very well"

Frank H., Client

Michelle has built amazing relationships with her clients and these relationships continue to grow and flourish. Michelle rarely misses a day of work and is never late! This is a perfect example of Building Trust with her clients. Her clients know that they can rely on her to be there when she is scheduled. Michelle has always Taken the Lead in her own special way. If she is faced with a challenge, she takes it upon herself to fix it. One of the many areas she excels in is meal preparation and we know that her clients rave about the meals she prepares for them. Even though this may seem like such a simple task, Michelle takes pride in the meals she creates for her clients and is always willing to do more. Michelle’s clients love her sense of humour and personality. She brings energy and enthusiasm to an environment and always wants to do her best to brighten up the day for her senior! She is, as one of her client’s put it ‘a little bundle of joy’! 

Congratulations Michelle for an outstanding job!

"Irina is a very good CAREGiver and she deserves it. I'm happy for her. She is number one."

-Irma K

We are proud to announce that Irina is our Setember 2017 CAREGiver of the Month! Irina’s dedication, loyalty and commitment are recognized by all and she has formed closed bonds with all her clients and their families! Irina Builds Trust by simply knowing when to step in. She recently covered weekend shifts for a 24 hour client of ours and knew the impact it would have on this client if she didn’t have a regular CAREGiver. Taking the Lead is part of Irina’s nature. She manages another client’s household and everything is seen to from the client’s groceries to the upkeep of her home. Her ability to multitask is exceptional as she is able to finish a huge amount of work in a relatively short timeframe.

Irina Shares her Heart through her motherly personality. She is kind, trusting, caring and compassionate and this is easily seen in so many different ways.

Irina, thank you for making a difference!

"Eva is a superb caregiver. I don’t know how much of this ability is due to a gift or a talent for having patience and a caring attitude for others and how much is due to self-discipline. I know it is both. She is excellent at everything she does."

- Glenn D.

 Eva builds trust both with the office staff and with her clients on a daily basis. Just this past week, Eva’s client sadly passed away and this was a huge loss to Eva as she had cared for her client for a long time.  She was such a source of strength and support for her client’s family.

 She takes the lead by making the right decisions. Her judgement calls are on point and she knows when to intervene when her client needs her. She also knows when she is being asked to cross a boundary and makes sure to run everything by the office and ask for direction.

 Eva shares her heart by always maintaining a warm and cheerful attitude! She is truly someone who genuinely cares about the well-being of her clients and this is obvious to everyone who knows her.

 Thank you Eva for your dedication to HISC and for being such a wonderful CAREGiver!

"Sonam is gifted and she truly understands my needs. We are best friends and share a very special bond."

– Client, Rosa T

Sonam builds trust with her clients in simple ways but it is the small things she does that create an atmosphere of comfort, compassion and care for her clients and their families.

Sonam recently took the lead by working early morning shifts as early as 4am as her client’s daughter was away. Despite the shift start time and other concerns that came to light, Sonam was extremely dedicated and wanted to make sure that she was there for her client while her daughter was away.

Sonam shares her heart by being creative in so many different ways. One of the ways she does this is learning to say a few words in Italian as her client speaks Italian. This has come a long way in them both being able to build a very strong bond with one another.

Sonam, you are a pleasure to work with and we know that your clients and other CAREGivers admire your work ethic and professionalism. We are proud to have you as a member of the Home Instead Senior Care Team!

“Elenita does all my needlework for me as I can’t see to do it myself. She’s a great help and I am lucky to have her!”

- Shirley M., Client

The office constantly receives positive feedback from all Elenita’s clients letting us know how happy they are to have her as their CAREGiver. Elenita continues to go above and beyond in any given situation and we are all grateful for this. Elenita builds trust with her clients by always being so flexible with her schedule. Her clients always know they can count on her to be there especially in times of need. One of Elenita’s clients tells us that she takes the lead by doing the simple things such as updating her fellow CAREGivers, recording detailed log notes and always taking her client’s feelings into consideration. Elenita shares her heart  through her giving personality and warm smile. Her sweet, gentle nature is always so welcoming and her clients share a close bond with her. The picture above truly reflects this and Elenita has a way of engaging her clients based on what’s important to them. The feedback from all of her clients is continuously so positive that we wanted to recognize Elenita’s dedication and hard work by acknowledging her as CAREGiver of the Month!

Faesa is our May CAREGiver of the Month and truly encompasses all the amazing qualities of a Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver!

Faesa Builds Trust on a daily basis with her client and she does this in such a patient manner even though her client’s situation sometimes changes on a daily basis. Taking the Lead is something that is very important for Faesa. She is someone who wants to make sure she adheres to policies & 
procedures and follows through on all her commitments to her client and her client’s family. It is extremely touching to observe Faesa Sharing her Heart with her client. They share an amazing bond and Faesa has become such an important part of her client’s life. Faesa, we sometimes to forget to tell you this … but we are so grateful to have you be a part of our Home Instead Senior Care Family! Congratulations on a job well done!

Victoria Builds Trust with her clients by simply being present. Just recently, she covered shifts for one of the other CAREGiver’s in her CAREGiver Team when she went away on vacation. Victoria was willing to help out even though it meant she would be working 6 awake overnight shifts a week with a challenging client.
Victoria Takes the Lead at all times. She is our go to CAREGiver when a client has just been released from the hospital and sent home. She has an amazing ability to go in on the first day and truly assess her client’s needs and then communicate the essential information to the office and other CAREGivers.
Anyone who knows Victoria also knows that she is such a joy to be around. Her presence is felt when she enters a room and her colleagues immediately recognize her. It is this special trait of hers that also allows her to Share her Heart with her clients and their families. Congratulations Victoria for doing what you do!

Joke is our March CAREGiver of the Month and has had many success stories with her clients.

Building Trust is one way she achieves this success. She is extremely thorough when executing her tasks and knows when to ask the right questions and express her concerns while keeping her client’s dignity in tact. Joke Takes the Lead by adjusting her own personal schedule to accommodate her client’s schedule whenever hours change. She always responds to our calls and emails in a timely manner and is consistent with her schedule. Sharing her Heart comes naturally to Joke with her charming personality and beautiful smile. Joke is firm in her approach but knows how to do this by relating to her client’s preferences in a special way. Well done Joke and thank you for being an excellent team player!

“Shelly is very friendly and always has a positive attitude. She treats my husband with great dignity and they have a wonderful relationship.”

- J. Mulligan

Shelly-Dawn is a valuable asset to our ‘Home Instead Senior Care Team’ and is therefore truly deserving of this award.

Her personality is such that she is open and approachable, which helps her form strong connections with all her clients.  She was recently able to build trust with a client, who was resistant to care, by simply sharing more information about herself.  In doing so, Shelly-Dawn was able to put her client at ease.

One of Shelly’s many strengths is that she is so flexible and quick to help out when needed. Shelly has taken the lead on so many occasions by covering last minute shifts.

Shelly shares her heart by simply allowing her clients to share their own hearts. Her clients are comfortable voicing their concerns and expressing their emotions and Shelly is exceptional at knowing how to respond.

Thank you Shelly for your dedication and loyalty!

"Emily is great with our mom!  Sometimes mom is challenging but Emily somehow manages with such a positive attitude. 
Mom really likes her. We will be moving her to a new residence and hope Emily will be able to continue with her care there"

- client's daughter

In just a few months, Emily has showcased her exemplary talents and her ability to “Live Home Instead”. 

One of her clients experiences a number of cognitive and physical challenges and Emily builds trust by ensuring that she is always patient and calm with her in spite of these challenging behaviours.

Emily takes the lead by providing consistent and detailed updates that aid the office and the rest of the client’s care team, ensuring that her client receives a high level of  quality care.  Although quiet, Emily expresses an evident confidence, knowing when it is necessary to be firm with her clients and other times when a more creative solution is  beneficial. 

Emily is a warm and genuine individual who truly cares for her clients and their families.  By being true to her nature, she makes sharing your heart appear effortless.

“Nelyn really deserves this award. She is a great worker and treats me very kindly, with a big smile. She has a long way to walk to come here and care for me, I am glad she is being recognized for all she does”

- client

Nelyn is an amazing CAREGiver who is dedicated to providing excellent care to her clients. She Builds Trust by being consistent with them. Nelyn has a very busy schedule; she works each day of the week and sees up to three different seniors on some days! She currently cares for a client who is very resistant to having new CAREGivers, but her patience and calm manner helps manage her client’s challenging behavior.

Nelyn Takes the Lead by being receptive to what her client needs and through sharing information with her care team. She was astute in recognizing one of her client’s likes and dislikes and communicated this information to support her CAREGiver team. She also Takes the Lead by accepting shifts in all areas we serve – one day she may be in the west end of Etobicoke and the next she’s in North York. The office appreciates Nelyn for this as she takes transit and we recognize this cannot be an easy daily commute.

She Shares Her Heart with her clients by being thoughtful. She always takes the time to get to know each client she sees; even the client’s families are quick to see her genuine and passionate nature. We have received wonderful feedback about Nelyn and know that she doesn’t just work the hours, but more importantly she pays attention to how she spends these hours with her clients. Thank you so much, Nelyn, you are an exceptional CAREGiver!

Mariam is incredible! She completely deserves this award because she is so great with my dad! He will love to know she’s the CAREGiver picked this month!” 

- client’s daughter

Mariam builds trust with her clients by being consistent and professional. She has had extensive experience working with challenging clients, including those with advanced dementia.  Despite the challenges she faces, on a daily basis, Mariam          continues to care for these clients as she would for her own family.  Her patience and diligence are beyond remarkable and we are reassured of her   ability by the feedback we receive from families and her colleagues. 

Mariam takes the lead by being proactive in addressing her clients’ needs.  They know that they can always rely on her; she is their advocate and they are confident that important matters will always be managed well.  Moreover, she understands that the more you know the more you can do and she frequently signs up for the trainings that we offer.  In doing this, she expands her skill set, elevating her ability to provide excellent care to her clients. 

Finally, Mariam shares her heart through simple acts of kindness and she focuses on what matters most. She has a great understanding of what is uniquely meaningful to each client and addresses this in a special way that demonstrates how much she truly cares for them.   Thank you Miriam, for all your that you do and your gifted ability to impact the seniors of Etobicoke.

“This is much deserved on her end. Both my sister and I are so happy to have her as one of our mom’s CAREGivers!”

- client’s daughter

CAREGiver Teresa has a very positive impact on both her clients and her colleagues. Teresa is constantly Building Trust with her clients by showing them she is there for them; if a fill-in shift falls within her availability she takes it without hesitation. When a challenging situation arises, she simply doesn’t give up! Teresa works with a high needs client whose behaviour is difficult to manage at times, however, she stays persistent. Teresa’s continued efforts have not gone unnoticed and both the office and resident staff are very appreciative of the care she provides.

Recently, one of Teresa’s clients increased services and only wanted her to work the extra hours. Teresa Took The Lead by being flexible and adjusted her own schedule to accommodate her client’s needs.

Teresa Shares Her Heart through her comforting and gentle nature. Her clients adore her cheerful, upbeat and positive demeanour. She also makes sure that every day is a ‘new day’ for her clients, by being creative with the resources she has on hand.

Teresa, thank you for your loyalty and commitment to both your clients and Home Instead Senior Care!

“Mary has been my CAREGiver since 2010 and has always done an excellent job. She is always reliable and never late. I am very  happy to have her as my caregiver.”

- client

As a strong CAREGiver, Mary builds trust with her clients by following through on her promises.   Her actions speak volumes and she is always a 100% committed.  Her clients rely on her weekly visits and entrust their care to Mary in a number of different ways.  

There are countless outstanding acts and services that Mary performs on a daily basis. The office also recognizes and appreciates that Mary always takes the lead by calling the office to get permission before she acts on certain   decisions that have to be made. In doing so, she follows policies and  procedures and this guarantees consistency and efficiency.

Anyone who meets Mary always comments on what an amazing person she is. It is very easy to see that Mary puts so much love and energy into everything she does and in doing so, she shares her heart.

Mary, thank you for everything you do! You are truly excellent at what you do and your client’s are extremely grateful.  

“Christy is absolutely spectacular. We enjoy her and she is a treat to have around. Christy is such a hard worker and we are overjoyed to have had the award presented to her at our home.”

- client

Christy builds trust with her clients by handling all tasks assigned to her with a high level of proficiency. One of her clients faces constant changes to her care plan and schedule but Christy is always prepared to deal with these challenges, and supports her client in the best manner possible.

Taking the lead is another area that Christy excels in. Her craving for perfection, excellent communication skills, and consistent updates allows for both her CAREGiver team and the office staff to provide quality care for her clients.

Christy’s spirit, enthusiasm and motivation is always noticeable through her interactions with others. She shares her heart in many different ways. Her passion for food and cooking is evident and she often utilizes this when caring for her clients, making them feel like they’re in a five-star restaurant.

Thank you Christy! Both your clients and office staff recognize your efforts and want you to know that you are much appreciated.

“Bernie is a wonderful person, I give her a 12 out of 10!! I don’t ever want her taken away from me. She is a great multitasker, she can chit-chat with me while she’s working.”

- client

Congratulations to Bernie for being our July CAREGiver of the Month!

 Consistency is the key to success and this is how Bernie builds trust with her clients. Her attendance and punctuality are excellent and her clients compliment her on this.  Bernie is a certified personal support worker but takes the lead by attending to other tasks that do not involve personal care. She is quick to notice home help chores that have to be completed and always takes the initiative to offer extra assistance. Sharing her heart is Bernie’s motto and she truly lives with this when caring for her clients. Whether it be cooking for her clients, talking to them in their time of need and managing family dynamics, Bernie is truly an amazing CAREGiver!

 Congratulations Bernie! This is a great accomplishment and you’ve worked very hard for it!

"Lucie is a lovely lady. I am so happy to hear that she received this award. She truly deserves it."

- client

Lucie is our June CG of the Month! Her character and passion are infectious and she is loved and respected by both her clients and the office staff.
Lucie builds trust by adjusting her schedule to accommodate her client’s needs. Lucie knows how to balance her busy school and family life with her work schedule . By doing this, she builds trust with her clients by ensuring she follows through with her promises.
Taking the Lead is something that comes naturally to Lucie. She is very aware of changes in her client’s condition and is always quick to follow up on important requirements. Lucie  includes her client in home tasks to make her feel independent and important. However, if her client doesn’t want to participate, Lucie is quick to recognize this and takes the  initiative to complete the tasks herself.
Lucie shares her heart in a number of different ways. She shares the same language and culture with one of her clients and in doing so enables her client to feel comfortable and at home due to this connection.
Lucie, your commitment, ability, leadership and kind, gentle ways make you shine and you are truly amazing at what you do!

“I am always laughing with Rosemary, we joke together. She is like a daughter to me.”

- Client

Building trust is part of Rosemary’s daily routine. She knows how important this is to her clients and on many occasions has made changes to her own schedule to accommodate her client. She also knows if and when to intervene, while still keeping her clients dignity intact, which is essential.

One way Rosemary takes the lead is when she helps her client organize her monthly schedule. Her client cannot communicate in English clearly and Rosemary takes it upon herself to sit with her client and go through the monthly schedule. Rosemary makes sure she is always scheduled on the days her client has appointments and then communicates these changes with the office.

Rosemary shares her heart through her warm, gentle and joyful personality. Engaging her client well is what leads to strong bonds being established and Rosemary’s clients immediately relate to her in every way.

Rosemary, thank you for all the great work you do and we want you to know that both your clients and the office staff are very grateful!  

April’s CAREGiver of the Month is Petra. Petra has proven numerous times that she is worthy of this award through her providing high quality care.

Building trust is just part of Petra’s way as she always steps up at the last minute to help the office out with last minute coverage. Petra’s clients value her for this and know the sacrifices she makes in order to accommodate their needs.

Petra takes the lead by paying close attention to detail and offering solutions to issues and concerns that may arise. She is a true professional in every way and this is shown in her interactions with both office and residence staff.

 Sharing her heart is something Petra does on a daily basis by engaging her clients in the most creative ways. Her client’s emotional needs are very important to her and the close bonds that result from this are definitely noticed.

 Thank you Petra for being such an amazing CAREGiver!

- Client  

Christine is a true reflection of a Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver and this is why she is our March CAREGiver of the Month!

Christine knows the value of Building Trust with her clients and she does this consistently  by working a regular schedule but also adjusts her schedule to accommodate her client’s needs. There are weeks where her shifts may be extended or have to change and  Christine is always quick to help out. Christine Takes the Lead in so many ways but was recently instrumental in coordinating the renovation work at one of her client’s homes. She communicated effectively with the renovation workers, her clients, her client’s social worker and the office and was responsible for managing the whole process so it wasn’t as stressful for her clients. Sharing her Heart comes easily to Christine. This past  Christmas, she cooked Christmas dinner for one of her clients as she knew they would be alone on Christmas Day and she wanted to make it special for them and ensure they’d have a festive feast! 

For all these reasons and many more, we are very grateful to Christine for her dedication and commitment to her clients and Home Instead Senior Care!

- Ellen H

Danielle is a true superstar and this is why she is our February CAREGiver of the Month!

Danielle builds trust in many ways, however, she recently made a very special sacrifice for one of her clients. Her client’s needs increased and there was additional care  requested. Danielle gave up a longer shift in order to work shorter shifts for her client. Both the client and the office appreciated everything Danielle did to make this work out!

Taking the Lead is something Danielle is amazing at and she does this on a daily basis by accepting 2 hour shifts with quite a few clients. Danielle is also quick to pick up last minute shifts and cover for other CAREGivers when the office has shifts to cover.

Danielle Shares her Heart with her infectious smile and energetic personality. Every one of Danielle’s clients have their own specific challenges and because she has ‘won them over’, they are unhappy when they need more care and she’s working elsewhere.  Her personal sacrifice in accepting the shorter shifts was because of her caring heart.​ ​

"Tenzin is always so caring, sweet and joyful around her client. She adds a personal touch to everything she does."

- Cara L, Client Care Coordinator 

The January 2016 CAREGiver of the month is Tenzin! Through her dedication to her clients Tenzin consistently upholds Home Instead’s Guiding Principles and therefore, as a team, we have chosen to recognize her continuous efforts to improve the lives of seniors. Tenzin’s client is blind and also has a hearing impairment so Tenzin builds trust by always working a consistent schedule. Her familiar voice is a source of great comfort to her client who always looks forward to having Tenzin with her. She takes the lead by providing individual care and working together with facility staff to ensure her client’s needs are being met. Tenzin is creative when problems arise and is always willing to provide a solution that works well for all involved. Service Coordinators can be confident when staffing her in assignments as they know she provides high quality care. It is evident that Tenzin shares her heart due to the wonderful things both the facility staff and clients have to say about her. She is a polite and genuine CAREGiver who always has a smile and cheery attitude. Congratulations Tenzin!

"Dianta is always there to help me and look after me. She always thinks and plans ahead to what I might need. She is a lovely, wonderful person. The day isn’t good until Dianta arrives."

- Client, Mrs. ​H

To close out 2015, we would like to recognize Dianta as CAREGiver of the Month for December 2015, and would also like to congratulate her on her 1 year anniversary with HISC! Dianta works in multiple ongoing assignments, but is able to keep herself organized and updated on every care plan and schedule change. She builds trust by keeping detailed log notes, reporting concerns, and by forming genuine relationships with her clients. Taking the lead is about being an advocate, and this is something Dianta does very well. Recently she reported that her client’s bed is no longer suitable for her. She communicated this concern and helped coordinate the client receiving a more appropriate bed. The holidays are an especially nice time to share your heart. Like many CAREGivers, Dianta will be spending Christmas with one of her clients. Her warm demeanor allows her clients to open up to her about worries, memories, preferences and needs. Ho-Ho-Horray to Dianta! We are so glad to have you in the HISC family!

"Lia has such thoughtful and caring ways. She goes beyond the call of duty. She even gave my mother a gift on her birthday. Her attention to special occasions is very much appreciated by our family."

- Sally W

Your November CAREGiver of the Month has grown leaps and bounds with us in the 2+ years of being part of the Home Instead family. We would like to recognize Lia for her consistency and dedication to her clients and Home Instead!

Lia is originally from The Republic of Georgia where she was a Doctor. She uses her experience and knowledge to build trust by reporting physical, mental and emotional changes in her clients. She provides a supportive, warm environment that allows her clients to build trust very quickly and easily. This CAREGiver regularly takes the lead by covering other CAREGivers, by working numerous overnights and displaying professionalism when working in residences. Although she may have school and personal commitments, she does what she can to accommodate her clients’ needs. Knowing one of her clients likes baseball, she brought in a picture saying “play ball!” and a special cake for her client’s birthday. She goes the extra mile to share her heart; one client even said they “won the jackpot” getting her as a CAREGiver.

Lia is truly an asset to the Home Instead family. Her flexibility and perseverance does not go unnoticed. We would also like to congratulate Lia on the arrival of her new Grandchild! We hope everyone is happy and healthy.

"When Rinelita enters the home, she projects happiness and the sense she is glad to be there. Of course, like everyone else, Rinelita could be feeling any one of a number of different ways, but when she arrives she brings strength and cheerfulness. Rinelita knows how to let the client know she cares. ​​Rinelita is industrious, and looks for things to do to be personally helpful, by helping in the kitchen, or in administering a back-rub or in any number of other ways.  She remains happy and helpful throughout the time she is working. This is not an easy job, but it is a job that Rinelita does exceedingly well, which demonstrates that she is willing to do a wide range of jobs exceedingly well."

- Glenn D

She built trust right from accepting her first assignment and became known as a CAREGiver to call when you are in a bind, when you need a fill-in and as someone who will accept multiple on-going assignments regardless of the client’s location or condition. She is an "energizer bunny" who keeps going and going and going! Rinelita takes the lead in many different situations. She has grown so close with one of her clients that she now anticipates her client’s needs before being asked. Rinelita is aware of her client’s current level of pain and does all she can to accommodate and comfort her. She also demonstrates range of motion exercises and speech therapy to maintain and improve her client’s functionality. Whether she is putting her client’s hair up in curlers for a special “beauty day”, or just sitting in the backyard watching the birds and having a laugh, Rinelita shows that sharing your heart is all about the little things. The family tells us Rinelita is like family and they know their parents are in loving and caring hands. For being a “trooper of a CAREGiver”, and someone who everyone can rely on, we ‘tip our hats’ to you Rinelita! Thank you for everything!

“Larah is punctual, alert and provides excellent care. She always has a smile on her face and I consider her my friend!”

Leonore J., client

Larah was a previous CAREGiver from 2011 to 2013 and has recently re-joined the Team after having a beautiful baby girl. Completing the new CAREGiver orientation like a pro, she was soon back out in the community “living” Home Instead! We are always sure to hear from Larah with any updates about her clients’ conditions. She knows just how important it is to not just build trust with her clients, but her clients’ families and the office. Larah ensures her clients always receive the best care possible. Larah shared her heart with her previous client until the day her client, unfortunately, passed away. During her time with Mrs. N, they shared stories about family and on the anniversary of her client’s husband’s death, Larah arranged for it to be included in daily mass and prayed together. This meant the world to Mrs. N. After saying her goodbyes and taking a break, Larah was back taking the lead by accepting a full awake overnight schedule with a new client. Overnights are always difficult, and we applaud Larah (and all CAREGivers) working with a little one at home. Larah’s return to Home Instead was like seeing family again, and we couldn’t be happier to have her back! Congratulations Larah!

'As we live out of town, Grace has been the family my Aunt didn't have here. She has been like an angel for us.'   

Robyn, Client’s niece

'I give thanks to God for giving me this award. I really appreciate Home Instead and working for you means so much to me. I was able to overcome my own personal crisis through my experiences at Home Instead. The staff really care about my needs and are very dedicated towards getting me the hours I need and supporting me at all times. Home Instead is an amazing agency to work for as they make everything ’personal’. I am here mostly because of the staff and the other wonderful CAREGivers. I also give thanks to my beautiful client, her family and friends. They truly appreciate the care I provide and constantly encourage me. I love my ‘Auntie Inez’ as she only wants me to call her Auntie. May God Bless you, our clients, staff and CAREGivers!!!'

Grace L.

The Dictionary defines “grace” as: “the exercise of love, kindness, mercy, favor; disposition to benefit or serve another.” We all agree that s a perfect definition of our CAREGiver of the Month, Grace! Grace is an all-star CAREGiver who has worked with not only the Etobicoke office but Mississauga too. Many of you have probably met Grace at a CG meeting or an event, and if you have, we’re sure you remember her! Although she has an outgoing personality, she is sure to take things slow with her clients and not overwhelm them. Grace has built trust with the office and her clients since the beginning; because of that trust, there is never any hesitation about placing her in assignments. Grace has a client who always likes to look presentable and nicely attired, and has her entire life. Grace takes the lead in understanding that importance and makes sure that her client is happy and dressed “just so”. Grace has one of the biggest hearts we’ve ever seen, and recently shared her heart “literally” when she dropped off hand-made crocheted hearts for the office staff. Her smile and warm presence is reassuring and comforting to her clients, and her upbeat attitude is contagious. Grace, thank you for all you’ve done and continue to do. Congratulations!

'Irene is always ready for anything. She is amazing. We go for walks every day; she comes with me to the pool and we sing together. She's something!'   

Mary B

'Thank you! I am so grateful to Home Instead. Thank you to everyone in the office.'

Irene

Three thousand, two hundred and thirty three. That is the number of hours CAREGiver of the Month Irene, has worked in less than the 2 years she has been with Home Instead Etobicoke. This lovely lady is always on the go, and brings sunshine with her to every client she cares for.
Irene builds trust with her dependability and her thoughtfulness. She sometimes does sleep overnight shifts and then is up and going to her next client - never missing a beat. She is always there when the Staffing Coordinators need her and represents what a professional CAREGiver is all about.
Her Clients' concerns are her concerns and she is sure to take the lead and communicate it to the office. She is right there to jump in whenever she is needed, and even helped us set up during a CAREGiver meeting! We appreciate how Irene takes initiative and goes the extra mile.
Irene is known to share her heart by singing with her client, a favourite being the alphabet song "A - you're adorable, B - you're so beautiful, C - you're a cutie full of charm...".
Irene has such a big heart she is even spending her weekends this month volunteering her time for the PAN AM games.
Irene, we cannot thank you enough! Congratulations!!

‘Steffi is great at communication and is very helpful. We enjoy attending a philosophy discussion group and I value her thoughts and ideas; especially because there is such an age difference. She is very helpful. Steffi is good company.’

Jean-Marie B

‘Working as a CAREGiver for Home Instead Senior Care is a rewarding experience. I was fortunate to work in various settings within the Etobicoke community. My experience has enabled me to adapt to the needs of my clients. Moreover, the training provided by Home Instead has increased my understanding of managing challenging behaviors when working with clients who have 
Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The office staff are also very hardworking, accommodating and supportive. They are always there to lend a hand when needed. I really appreciate and enjoy working with my clients and the staff at Home Instead Senior Care.’

Steffi M 

 “Steffi” is a name often heard in the office, usually followed by things like “Is she available?” and “She would be great for that client! "Now, it’s “Steffi – CAREGiver of the Month June 2015!”

Steffi has been with us for 2 years and has Built Trust so much that she has worked and is staffed with some of our biggest clients. She keeps in close communication, reports any concerns in her assignment and follows through with any task or assignment she accepts. She is someone you can count on.

Steffi can be seen Taking the Lead by being involved in HISC trainings, listening to her clients requests and then acting on them and by going above and beyond the call of duty – always putting her client’s needs first. She has also helped out the office numerous times by jumping in last minute for difficult shifts to staff such as live-in assignments.

Steffi has a naturally calm and warm demeanor and Shares her Heart with her patience and 
compassion. She takes the time to really get to know her clients and cares for them as the individuals they are. She even accepted work with a client who had pets, although she isn’t the biggest fan of them. We cannot thank Steffi enough for all she does; she is truly an integral part of the HISC team and has a bright future in Nursing ahead of her. Congratulations Steffi!!!

"Patricia is the best and is always on time. She is always here when I need her. I couldn’t ask for a better CAREGiver. God sent me the best."

 Elizabeth M

"It’s been a terrific year with Home Instead. All the staff members at the office are very nice and polite. Anytime I need help they are always eager to assist me. Most of the other caregivers that I've had the privilege to work with, are hardworking which makes us a great team. I always try my hardest to be there for my clients because I know they need me and rely on me. I always make sure to arrive on time and from the minute I start to the moment I leave, I devote myself to making them happy. It makes me overjoyed to know that I have such a great impact on my client’s life."

Patricia

May’s CAREGiver of the Month Patricia has a contagious smile and a warm heart. Her compassion and consistency make her an ideal CAREGiver and an outstanding member of the team!
Patricia builds trust by giving detailed reports of activities and always letting the office know of any changes. During her client’s “not so great days”, she provides physical and emotional support and is attentive to her needs. Her client can trust that she will be safe when Patricia is with her.
She can be found taking the lead by being on top of everything and by continually advocating for her client. Her client has recently made great strides in being able to go down the basement stairs again. This makes her very happy and, of course, Patricia is always there guiding and assisting as she always does.
More than just a companion, Patricia and her client are truly friends and “like family”. She shares her heart by having discussions and telling stories, specifically about her client’s cat. Patricia knows her clients stories so well she can often jump right in and fill in the blanks as needed. Thank you, Patricia for all of your patience, grace and for always living Home Instead!

"Last summer our original CAREGiver retired and Elizabeth has been with us since. We are seriously considering extending service as Elizabeth is so good at everything she does."

  John M.

Elizabeth is a natural CAREGiver and has taken on her role like a “duck to water”. Quick to smile and ever efficient, Elizabeth is not only a tremendous source of strength and comfort to her clients, but to Home Instead as well. She Builds Trust by being a CAREGiving Professional. Realizing that consistent care is important to her clients and their families, she does all she can to accommodate their needs and schedule requests. Always quick to return a phone call or email, communication is something you never need to worry about with this CAREGiver.
Taking the Lead is something Elizabeth has become a pro at doing. She coordinates and executes her clients schedule flawlessly. She ensures that her clients needs are always being met and then goes above and beyond to make suggestions and implement ways to ensure that her clients have everything they need to enhance their quality of life.
Elizabeth can be found sharing stories, smiles and
encouragement at any given moment. She openly Shares her Heart with her gentle manner and reassuring nature which helps relieve her clients stress and anxiety. Elizabeth takes a personal interest in her clients health and happiness.
Thank you for everything Elizabeth, you are truly irreplaceable!

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Alpha is very caring and takes great care of my mum. We are very happy with her.

Susan J, client’s daughter

Alpha N is a very accomplished CAREGiver! She has completed almost all of our advanced trainings (CARES, Gentle Persuasive Approach, First Aid/CRP, etc), but the true essence of her excellence is how she engages the Guiding Principles.
Because Alpha is reliable, responsible and professional she is able to build trust that achieves long term gains. For example, when her client moved from the retirement side of a residence to a LTC side, where service is not as necessary (due to increased facility involvement), the family insisted no compromise to their services or schedule because they knew that care would be seamless with Alpha.
She recognizes that the her role goes beyond the literal expectations of any Care Plan and she reacts out of a sense of empowerment, advocating for he client’s needs in times when family cannot be present. When her client’s bed and wheel chair were no longer comfortable she took the lead and communicated to the appropriate people to have them replaced and when transfers became a safety risk, she recommended bed baths replace showers.
 Always smiling, laughing and joking with her client Alpha shares her heart in the unique way that every CAREGiver can – by being herself.   She is a role model, demonstrating that the CAREGiver role is as much about creating positive memories as anything else. She has made a profound impact of the lives of many seniors and it is obvious that to Alpha it’s personal.

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"Yegana quickly masters her duties. She is dependable and diligent, with an inquiring mind and the ability to identify and troubleshoot problems as they occur. Invariably, she is pleasant, a quick study, intelligent and keen."

Barry, Mount Sinai

Yegana, a third year nursing student, has only been with Home Instead since the new year and in a short period of time has become one of our most notable and acclaimed CAREGivers.
Building trust, the first step in establishing a successful client/CAREGiver relationship, can be challenging, undeniably so when the care is required for two clients who both have Schizophrenia. Characterized by a disconnect for reality, distrust and reclusiveness, Yegana has overcome obstacles to return their lives to a heightened normalcy. She employed creative measures (posed as a cleaner) to ensure that her role is not “in doing” but in teaching them to do for themselves. She is their advocate, discretely monitoring medications and conscious not to violate their privacy; she works to ensure proper nutrition and engages them in activities of daily living. And when Yegana discovered that one of these clients loved art and music she took the lead to play them some music using her phone, as their own television and radio did not work. Her “soft skills” are awesome; she was even a shoulder to cry on when their mother passed a way, sharing her heart and providing comfort and solace. There are no limits to her caregiving ability.
These few words don’t do Yegana justice because the stories of her successes are endless. She is a true professional and in the years to come will be a great asset to the nursing profession.

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"Sonia has made the world a better place for my 101 year old friend who is mostly blind and  almost deaf.  Sonia is like the caring daughter  Wilma never had and I am grateful for her everyday.  I now have peace of mind that Wilma has the eyes and ears she needs to continue to live independently, with dignity ... and a lot of love. Thanks Sonia - you are appreciated!"

Mary Anne M, client’s friend

Sonia is quiet and gentle, but there is nothing understated about her caregiving ability.  Her performance reflects an ease in maintaining our Guiding Principle and creating Raving Fans.
Her client “Wilma” is 101 years old, virtually blind and deaf and compromised by daily tasks.  Their relationship is symbiotic; Sonia is Wilma’s eyes and ears, ensuring  that she maintains the same dignity in older age that she did in years past.  Wilma has always taken pride in her appearance, described as a “real lady”, and Sonia makes sure she always well-dressed and presented.  
Sonia IS like Wilma’s daughter, understanding and addressing her every need. Taking the lead, she ensures that Wilma is always well attended to and that changes in circumstance are reported immediately.  When it was requested that CAREGivers provide the office with updated profiles on their client it became obvious that Sonia knew Wilma “inside and out”.
Low key and well mannered, Sonia also has a positive relationship with the staff at the facility where Wilma resides.  “Sonia has just the right touch and shares a good sense of humour with Wilma and the other ladies at the lunch table”.  Sharing of her heart is gesture that emotes from her every action and lingers after every shift when she hugs her client good-bye.
Thank you Sonia and congratulations on being CAREGiver of the Month for July!

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"Nancy's like my family. We have a lot of fun and she know me better than anyone. "

Audrey W, client

Nancy has been recognized in the past as a member of a 'Care Team' caring for one of our 24 hour clients.   This time we would like to single-out the tremendous way in which she is able to build strong relationships, exceed expectations and elevate the quality of life of this client.
Since day one, Nancy has anchored a team, enabling her to build trust with this special senior. In spite of her busy life and personal obligations, you can always count on Nancy to attend Home Instead sponsored events, meeting and specialized trainings. She is always reliable, responsible and professional.
She takes the lead by being her client's strong advocate, arranging and accompanying her to appointments,  organizing her medications and contacting the office to clarify schedules,  lessening any anxiety for her client.  Nancy is empowered and involved.
Her relationship with this particular client has been compared to that of a granddaughter. She is quick to smile and is often found sharing her heart with her client through trading  stories.  She is compassionate, thoughtful and herself because to Nancy, ‘it’s personal’!

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"Our family is so happy and grateful that Stella is looking after our Mom. Stella is very professional and knowledgeable while being gentle, caring and compassionate at the same time - everything we could possibly ask for in a caregiver for our sweet Mom. Thank you and Congratulations Stella! "

Martha, client’s daughter

In the months since Stella joined Home Instead, we have grown to appreciate how fortunate we are to have her on 'our CAREGiver Team'. 
Currently, Stella is in a live-in assignment caring for a high needs client.  She has Built Trust with her client and her family, as well as, the office staff by being consistent, reliable, professional, cooperative and so much more!  Outside caregivers involved in this senior’s care, observe that Stella really Takes the Lead and ensures that they realize the 'priorities'; care is never rushed. 
While in Stella’s care, the client is always  comfortable and understands what activity is being done - a priority because the client is blind and would otherwise experience anxiety.   Stella keeps the client's family well informed at all times and takes every opportunity to get to know their family’s history so she can have an even closer connection with their mother. 
In spite of her client’s lack of sight, Stella shares pictures from magazines by describing them to her - their company is always engaging. Stella has very strong communication skills and knows when to take action to protect her client.  Recently, she recognized that her client wasn't well and her quick actions averted a health crisis.  Stella, you really have a 'Heart' for caregiving and we are delighted you chose Home Instead!

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"Marjorie truly always has Mother's best interests at heart...be they physical or social.  You can tell how much Mother cares about Marjorie too, as Mother always worries about whether Marjorie has her gloves and scarf and will get home safely. Even the staff remark on how well they interact.
We certainly consider Marjorie an indispensable part of our team keeping our favourite "almost 93 year old" as happy and healthy as possible."

Catherine I, client’s daughter

Although understated in her character (she is both mild-mannered and gentile), the impact Marjorie makes on her clients is boldly pronounced!  She has a natural ability to build strong relationships and building trust, taking the lead and sharing her heart are second nature to her.
The families of those seniors whom she cares for have grown to depend upon Marjorie as their eyes and ears and she has earned their trust. They indicate that she communicates well, in person, by note and by phone.  “Marjorie provides a real link between family and Mother…. if we are out of town, we know that she will provide care continuity and the one-on-one attention that Mother wants. This provides us with such peace of mind.”
As many of these children have active lives, full-time careers, children, and other commitments, they rely heavily on her ability to take the lead.  She is proactive in supporting them and they are confident that any concerns will be identified and reported.  “She tells us when anything is needed (usually ahead of time), so we can get replacements before mother has to do without.”
Catherine, praises Marjorie for sharing her heart through simple gestures that add value to her mom’s life - things like trying to make her comfortable (rubs cream on legs, adjusts  pillows),  coordinating her outfits, freshening up her makeup and  doing her hair for  dinner, as well as assisting and encouraging her to engage in meaningful activities such as watching golf, going outside, advising on plants/flowers.

We applaud Marjorie on the reputation she has built for herself and for the lives she has impacted!

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"Mel is well deserving of this recognition. She is consistently attentive to my Dad, aware of even the most subtle changes in his     condition. She excels at non-verbal  communication and works seamlessly with hospital staff. Her cheery disposition is a positive influence that radiates to all around her. She is an excellent ambassador of all the good and caring that Home Instead  represents."

Tim S, client’s son

If we were to search a 'Home Instead dictionary' for the definition of 'terrific CAREGiver', Mel D's name would appear!  She’s part of a team of CAREGivers with a very high needs client.  She’s Built Trust with the office team by being consistent in her attendance, her hours reporting, her attitude to her role and her client responsibility.  She’s 'Taken the Lead' by advocating for her client-when his TV didn't work she kept calling the office until it was fixed!  And when his radio wasn't working well, knowing how important music is to him, she communicated it to the family on a visit and it was replaced.  She knows he loves playing bingo [apparently he's quite a 'bingo wizard'!] and that he loves to sing so she ‘Shares her Heart’ by ensuring he gets to all the 'sing-a-longs' and bingo games, as well as many other activities.  Besides representing all the Guiding Principles so well, Mel is simply a 'delight, plea​​sant, upbeat and humorous all rolled into one!  Thanks, Mel for being such a pleasure and for choosing Home Instead!

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"She is very good and dependable, very friendly and nice to talk to. All around a good companion and  CAREGiver."

Stella O, client

"I second everything my Mom said, she has made everyone's life better.” 

  Michelle  O, client’s daughter

Those of us who have the pleasure to work with Holly agree that she Builds Trust by being a dedicated, caring and consistently hard working CAREGiver who approaches each assignment with a rare vigor. Despite being an incredibly busy CAREGiver, she Takes the Lead by using her initiative to adjust the focus of care for each client, providing personalized and customized care after discovering activities that bring happiness and fulfillment to them. She makes her client’s favourite foods at home and brings them in to share. She Shares her Heart by planning parties for her clients' birthdays and for holidays. One family member said that having Holly work with their loved one is like feeling a huge weight lifted from their shoulders. Another client’s son said ‘Holly has been working out perfectly and we’re all very happy with the relationship and everything she has done for mom. Thank you very much (Holly).

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