2020 CAREGiver of the Year - Diane Bernier
When Diane walked through our doors in September 2008, she had been running a daycare for 25 years but felt the desire to take her life in a new direction. She often prayed about finding life’s next opportunity. Knowing that God works in mysterious ways, Diane stumbled across a recruitment ad in the local paper, “I thought it could be the change I was seeking.”
One week after seeing the advertisement, Diane became a CAREGiver℠. Since then, Diane’s dedication to her role and commitment to her clients have been on constant display. From the very beginning, it was evident that her heart was truly in the right place.
In 2009, Diane began caring for a new client multiple days per week, providing light housekeeping, transportation and errands. This client had been suffering from nerve damage in her legs and feet, as well as weakness from a prior neck injury. Very quickly into their relationship, Diane and her new client formed an inseparable bond; in fact, the client informed the office that Diane was “a true beam of light that always makes me feel happier, especially when I am feeling discouraged.”
What initially seemed to be a temporary arrangement (until the client could get back on her feet) grew into Diane being a permanent fixture in the client’s life. Over the next 11 years, Diane became an increasingly positive part of her client’s life, recognizing times when she needed medical attention, helping her heal following multiple surgeries and providing gentle encouragement through numerous crises. Because of Diane’s care and ability to adapt to her client’s changing needs through the years, this client was able to lean on her for the support and motivation to continue living as independently as possible.
The client relied on Diane for not only assistance due to her physical limitations but also making practical decisions, which became overwhelmingly difficult to do independently. The client once cited the example, “I can screw in lightbulbs, but Diane figures out that the switch is not working properly.”
There was never an absence of conversations between the two. The client repeatedly told the office that the companionship she received surpassed her expectations — something truly unexpected when she started her journey with Home Instead®. Together, they often enjoyed breakfast, went for walks, ran errands, made grocery lists and spent time with the other favorite houseguest: the cat.
The client routinely acknowledged her appreciation for Diane, once referring to Diane as “the iconic companion for [her] and an extraordinary gem for [our] company.” Due to their incredible bond, the client appreciated Diane’s input, personally stating she “welcomes her gently stated suggestions about many matters that are important for my continuing independence.” Diane was her client’s biggest advocate and support until the end of life. Thanks to Diane, the client was able to remain in her home for more than a decade after their relationship began. Despite her ailments, the client enjoyed a safe, positive environment during that time.
In 2015, Diane specifically was asked to care for a new client who valued his independence but who demonstrated increasing confusion that proved to be a barrier to living without support. He needed someone who would empower him to manage his days while ensuring his safety and health. Our office team immediately thought of Diane in this situation. She has proven to create meaningful relationships with any client she cares for, thanks to her qualities of patience and kindness.
When Diane began caring for this client, the two of them would sit at the table, while he slowly filled his own pill box; Diane gave him time and freedom to complete this task on his own, all the while overseeing that the correct medications were filled. And, at the family’s request, Diane set aside time in their daily routine to reminisce and share stories. As the client was approaching 100 years old at the time, he enjoyed sharing tales of his past. Diane asked questions to learn more about his life experiences. Soon, the two were taking walks and talking, and then taking car rides together. With each of these activities, the client recounted his favorite memories and pastimes. On their many car adventures, Diane would even drive her client to specific local places so that he could tell her about the history and his memories there.
Unfortunately, during their time together, the client’s worsening health condition placed increasing limitations on his mobility and independence. But they never affected Diane’s ability to ensure he felt as independent as possible, always using encouragement to make him comfortable and confident. Even after a catheter became necessary, which raised concerns of him tripping, Diane continued to press on with their regular walks, only she adjusted their route, pace and frequency of breaks.
The client’s family reported to the office that Diane was much more than a caregiver to their father, she was a friend to him. “Diane gave our dad so much more than anything we could have expected, showing compassion and patience (even when hearing one of his stories in detail for the tenth time).”
Even through personally challenging times, Diane’s heart remained true to her calling. In 2018, she received the unexpected news that she had been diagnosed with leukemia and would require a treatment regimen. Despite embarking on this difficult journey, she continued to show her unwavering dedication to her clients, who showed gratitude for her care.
Still today, Diane continues to take on clients and provide exceptional care, always displaying active communication with our office, routinely providing feedback, bringing any concerns to the team, and going above and beyond to help when needed.
In the past 12 years, Diane has proven just how important the relationship between CAREGiver and client is. The tenure of her clients is testament to that! With most of her clients, the initial plans were usually short-term or temporary care; however, with Diane’s ability to infuse positivity and progress into the lives she touches, many clients remained with Home Instead until the ends of their lives. Even at the end, Diane remained by their sides to offer support.
Diane’s commitment and dedication to her clients goes beyond their direct care needs, extending to the client’s family and loved ones, as well. The family of Diane’s current client has acknowledged how supportive and beneficial she has proven to be for the client’s spouse, “Diane is so calm, even keeled and patient with our mother.” This has provided so much peace of mind for her loved ones.
Interested in becoming a Home Instead CAREGiver? For available home care jobs in your area apply now or visit our website's homepage to fill out our contact form.
