Client’s Humor, Stories Are Bonding Points for Chandler
Home Instead® CAREGiver of the Month Chandler was eloquent when speaking of his primary client, who has freely opened his heart to Chandler and also related his quick wit and humor to his CAREGiver. “My favorite client stories are the ones that are repeated. Those told and retold stories have significance. Much like a quilting square, they make up the fabric of someone’s life – what a special thing to share, and be shared with,” Chandler explained.
Chandler may not have realized how fulfilling his job could be when he joined Home Instead of Clawson eight months ago.
“My primary client has such a great sense of humor. It’s impossible not to grin whenever he gets this twinkle in his eye and a wonderful, prankish smirk before a punch line or humorous observation. As is the case with all jokes, better yet is the laughter that follows,” Chandler said.
“There is so much to appreciate and admire about this client: from the big-hearted way he embraces the world and his family to his vast knowledge of multiple languages. Whether this former teacher knows it or not, he still teaches to this day! While I’m not necessarily absorbing the Italian language, there’s so much to learn from his good character.”
Chandler sums up his feelings about being an award-winning CAREGiver for co-owners Bert and Stephanie Copple’s franchise this way:
“It’s an honor to be part of someone’s day and life journey. It’s a tremendous joy to get to know our wonderful clients, and both support and learn from their interests. I love doing what I can to make things easier and more accessible so the client can have more time, energy and ability to do what matters most to them,” Chandler said.
Personally and professionally, Chandler joined Home Instead with a strong caregiving background. “I certainly learned how to be a caregiver through growing up in a large, tight-knit family – we all look out for one another. I’m grateful to have such wonderful role models and loving people in my life,” he said. “I previously worked with children as a Behavior Interventionist and, at one point, a Respite Care Provider.”
Chandler recently moved to Oakland County and was caring for an ill family member. “When I heard about Home Instead,” Chandler said, “I was excited that the company had such value and emphasis on compassion and individualized person-centered care. Working at Home Instead has allowed me to engage in and get to know our community and fantastic clients while providing the flexibility I needed for my own family.”
Perhaps Chandler’s primary client could feel his CAREGiver’s compassion and empathy on the day Chandler arrived to assist him. Those are two of the characteristics that are evaluated when a CAREGiver is considered for the employee of the month award. Of course, there are others. Has the CAREGiver gone above and beyond the call of duty? Does the CAREGiver possess the skills and wisdom to be highly successful? Is the CAREGiver exceptional at his work with any client? Finally, does the CAREGiver focus on Home Instead’s training, processes and procedures of successful caregiving? In other words, does the CAREGiver work at getting better?
For Home Instead General Manager Anne Monaghan and her staff members, the answers were yes. When Anne and her staff decided to honor Chandler as CAREGiver of the Month for October, it was obvious that Chandler had displayed Home Instead’s guiding principles of “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.”
Chandler loves being a part of the CAREGiver team for the southeast Oakland County franchise, a member of a network comprised of Home Instead, Inc. and its parent company, Honor. With the world’s largest home-care network and the most advanced care platform, Honor and Home Instead are revolutionizing care for older adults, their families and CAREGivers. Combined, the network has more than 100,000 CAREGivers across 13 countries, meeting the growing needs of millions of older adults and their families worldwide.
All Home Instead CAREGivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (248) 203-2273 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
