Evie Feels Fulfillment From Service to Others
Perhaps Home Instead® Care Professional of the Month Evie Malloy’s biggest job reward is her fulfillment that springs from an unexpected caregiving triumph. One of Evie’s clients is among the few people who have “graduated” hospice. Evie said: “The client’s situation helps me and reminds me why you should never give up even when all the odds are against you. You never can fully predict the outcome and the full impact of your actions. The clients for whom I work remind me every day why life is not something to take for granted. The clients also help me focus on the beauty of life and what can come of it.”
Evie’s favorite client stories are the ones about their lives and different challenges and obstacles they have overcome, as well as their current struggles. “It is beautiful and awe-inspiring to see the resilience in people who’ve experienced so much.” Referring to the client who was formerly on hospice care, Evie said: “He told me about his life, and the story is one I will remember for a long time. I don’t recall the exact events of what sent the client to the hospital, but after the client consulted with the doctor, the client went on hospice because of kidney failure.”
Evie added: “In addition, the client suffered from cataracts. The client’s driving license was taken away, which meant the loss of freedom and independence. The client was understandably depressed and not motivated to get better. When the client met with the client’s hospice nurse, the goal was to drive again and live as before. It may have seemed hopeless to some people, but the client and his care team didn’t stop reaching for his goals. Eventually, the client had cataract surgery and made an incredible recovery in kidney functions, unseen by even the doctor.”
The hospice nurse took the client to get his driver’s license reinstated. Evie explained: “The client was back to driving again, having his freedom returned in what seemed like a lost cause. The client didn’t stop fighting. Afterwards, there was still a lot left to deal with emotionally and mentally, but the client continued persevering and found his purpose and joy in life again.”
About seven months ago, Evie joined Home Instead of Clearwater, an award-winning franchise owned by Julie Castle. This was Evie’s first time professional senior-care job. Previously she had worked in retail and at a call center. “Being able to assist to the best of my capabilities and being empathic have always been my focus in any job I’ve had,” Evie said.
Evie had been interested in starting a health-care career but wasn’t sure where to begin or if it would be a good fit for her. She said, “Being able to have the time to focus on the clients’ needs, give my undivided attention and one-on-one care is important to me. I started with a CNA course and then looked at different companies in my area. From the reviews and commercials I’d seen, Home Instead embodied that idea of more personal care. Going through the screening and interview process, I was able to meet people from the team who genuinely seemed to enjoy what they do and shared the same values. It made it easy to make the decision.”
Evie has been a natural at one-on-one professional senior care, perhaps because she has served as a family caregiver. Evie rotates with other family members in her grandmother’s care. At the beginning of the year, her grandmother had several strokes that forced her to leave her home and move to a rehabilitation facility. Because of health complications, she was hospitalized between rehabilitation stays.
“When possible, my family and I visit to ensure my grandmother has company, is receiving proper care and therapy and is clean with good skin integrity. We do our best to make sure she is comfortable and motivated. It is hard to stay positive when you are the one going through rehabilitation. We always let her know she has support, that we are there for her through these times. When a family member suffers a medical challenge, we all support and take care of that person,” Evie said.
“It is rewarding to help care for someone in a time of need where it can be difficult to ask for help. It is not easy to accept help from someone else, much less when you feel like you shouldn't need the help to begin with or it is from someone you are not familiar with. It is a good feeling to know I am able to put them at ease by being friendly, open, and empathic. That can take some stress of the change of needing more help off their shoulders. It doesn't feel like it takes a lot to be there for a person, whether it be an extra hand or a listening ear, but it can make a world of difference for that person.
When Director of Care Professional Services JC Crady announced Evie’s Care Pro of the Month honor, JC said: “Evie embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.”
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (727) 799-1400 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
