Home Instead® Caregiver of the Month June Miller progressed from the daunting task of winning her client’s trust to taking golf lessons from her.
“The client is a very nice lady,” June said. “It was hard at first to get her to understand I was there to help. To be fair about it, her whole life had changed, and she was not happy about it. So, yes, it was challenging. But with time, she accepted the reasons why I was there.”
June knew their bonding was complete even before her client cheerfully agreed to introduce June to the game of golf. The client’s willingness to share her recreational passion with June just confirmed the solid relationship they had established. “She loves playing golf, so I asked her if she could show me how to play. My client was excited that I’d show interest in playing golf. We’d go out to play,” June explained.
“For someone who had suffered a major medical challenge, my client gave me some very good instruction. She was very detailed about how to hold the club and how to make precise strokes. It was amazing. Even though she has many obvious memory challenges, she is a shining example of the fact that there is a lot we can do to overcome obstacles if we simply try. You are never too old to learn new things. Every day is a new challenge.”
June’s professional senior-care opportunity began Sept. 12, 2022, with Home Instead of Martinsburg, an award-winning franchise owned by Keith Clay. In addition to Martinsburg, Keith’s office serves West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle, including Berkeley Springs, Harpers Ferry, Capon Bridge, Capon Spring, Charles Town, Charleston, Great Cacapon and Delray.
June explained: “My sister worked for Home Instead years ago and earned her CNA with them. I was looking for work. They called me. When I started working, I asked if I would like to take on a client in a full-time capacity, and I said yes.” Accepting the assignment eventually led to June’s honor as Caregiver of the Month, which was announced by General Manager Allyson Starling.
Home Instead Scheduling Coordinator Lydia Bui said, “Our client loves June, who works a full weekly schedule with her. June will go in additionally on weekends if she is asked. She never calls off on a shift.”
It was no surprise that June has been a successful Caregiver because she had already done quite well on both ends of the caregiving age spectrum. “I was working with children before Home Instead and had done that for more than 20 years,” June said. “I thought I would try Home Instead after my dad passed away. While I was caring for Dad, I experienced a better understanding of taking care of the elderly. He was able to stay home until he passed away.”
June added: “Taking care of Dad gave me an understanding that we all need someone to care for us before we pass away. Seniors do appreciate the care. Providing care can be challenging and usually is, but you feel better about yourself. It is fulfilling to do good for someone else. What I like the most about my job is the ‘thank yous’ I receive for caring for someone.”
All Home Instead Caregivers are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please apply online. For further information about Home Instead care services, visit our website.
