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A Home Instead caregiver and an elderly woman prepare a meal together in a sunny kitchen, symbolizing teamwork and independence in home care.

CAREGiver of the Month

A tradition of great caregiving means that we take care of our own as well as we take care you and your family.

Our CAREGivers make a difference in the lives of seniors in the in Kitchener-Waterloo, ON area.

At global level, Home Instead, Inc. recognizes regional CAREGivers of the Year and one special CAREGiver who shows exceptional dedication is the recipient of the national award — The Mary Steibel CAREGiverâ„  of the Year Award.

This program inspires CAREGivers to strive for excellence. It creates a sense of pride and rewards their hard work, compassionate care and service to others.

CAREGiver of the Month Kitchener-Waterloo, ON
Simran Jul 2024

July 2024 - Simran

Home Instead® Caregiver of the Month Simran wondered why her first two weeks with a dementia client had gotten off to a slow start. After probing with thoughtful conversation, Simran came to a conclusion: “I learned to talk about the topic she likes most – her late husband – and now she likes me. She always says the same things and always repeats her life journey with her husband, but what matters is that it makes her happy.”

Showing her patient empathy, Simran added: “Interestingly, when she repeats her story, she remembers exactly every detail. I believe she repeats things so often because of her strong impulse to tell me everything, and that’s OK. At least she is doing well. I had noticed that, more than anything, she needed someone who’d listen and respond to her thoughts, and I did that.”

It was clear that Simran had stepped into a sensitive situation without much background on the client, and Simran had figured out “the lay of the land” on her own.

“My client’s family lives far from her. Nobody was available to tell me about her, what she likes and dislikes … things like that,” Simran explained. “At first, I noticed she showed several moods, depending on what we talked about. I never knew what would make her angry. Also, it was tough to refocus her when she was angry because of her personality. Then I realized it was all happening because she was lonely and wanted to use all of her moods – happy, sad, angry and others – to express herself.”

Simran has seen a great change in her client. “Nowadays, when it’s my time to leave, she always asks me to stay so she can talk more. One night, she was up until 10 p.m. because she wanted to talk more about her past life. She also wanted to know about my past life,” Simran said.

Simran, a perceptive, compassionate and skilled CAREGiver, had been with Home Instead® of Kitchener-Waterloo for less than three months before Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Agna Subbaiah announced she had been honoured as CAREGiver of the Month. “April 23 was my first day on the  job. I was searching for a job when one of my friends told me, ‘You should go to the Home Instead franchise in Mississauga with your resume.’ She referred me there because I have a nursing background,” Simran recalled.

She went to the Mississauga office, but the office staff pointed out she lived too far from its coverage area. “Luckily, they referred me to Home Instead’s Kitchener-Waterloo office. After an interview, they hired me,” said Simran, an international nurse from India who completed her Auxiliary Nurse and Midwife (ANM) accreditation in 2021. After that, she worked as a staff nurse in a hospital for more than two years.

“I had never had special experience as a family caregiver. However, if the circumstances were right, I would love to take care of my grandfather and my maternal grandmother. I would not want to see them getting frustrated just because they are unable to do some daily activity because of their old age and their alleviated strength,” Simran said. 

The thing Simran likes most about her job is that she always has the opportunity to help someone. “In return,” Simran said, “I am getting blessings. Making my clients happy and seeing their happy faces makes me happy and provides me with inner peace. On top of that, I provide them a surety. That surety makes them feel special, and they know they do not have to worry about anything. Also, my companionship makes them positive. As we all know, that positivity is a key to living longer and to happiness.”

Navdeep Jun 2024

June 2024 - Navdeep

Nearly two years ago. Navdeep, a registered nurse, had heard of Home Instead® half a world away in her native homeland of India. When Navdeep arrived in Canada, she was drawn to Home Instead of Kitchener-Waterloo because of its values and dedication to quality care. “Joining Home Instead allowed me to continue my passion for helping people in need,” she said. 

Navdeep added: “I learned a lot about Home Instead when I was in India, particularly Home Instead’s reputation for providing immense support to both its CAREGivers and elderly clients. My dream was to come to Canada and work in healthcare because I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN) and worked as a registered nurse in India.”

Sixteen months after joining Home Instead, Navdeep was honoured as the franchise’s CAREGiver of the Month, Home Instead Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Agna Subbaiah announced. Agna said: “We reward our employees with the CAREGiver of the Month award to show our appreciation for all they do. This award is given to CAREGivers who strive for excellence. We want to acknowledge their hard work, compassionate care and service to others.”

Among the considerations for achieving CAREGiver of the Month status, an employee has shown she has gone above and beyond the call of duty, Agna pointed out. Empathy and compassion are taken into account for the award, as well as skill and wisdom for dealing with challenging situations. Navdeep embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.” While Navdeep is a Personal Support Worker (PSW), her focus on Home Instead’s training, processes and procedures of successful caregiving helped her achieve the CAREGiver of the Month award.

“In India,” Navdeep said, “I worked as a staff nurse and a PSW. I have always been passionate about providing proper care with love and compassion to those in need. Working with Home Instead has deepened my knowledge in the healthcare field, especially through my interactions with various clients and their unique healthcare needs.”

To Navdeep, senior care is personal and close relationships mean everything. “I took care of my grandmother in India as a family caregiver. I was very close to her and supported her personally and professionally at home in every situation toward the end of her life. This experience taught me the importance of compassion and dedication in caregiving, which I now bring to my role at Home Instead,” Navdeep said.

Restating her satisfaction with Home Instead for emphasis, Navdeep said: “The thing I love most about my job as a CAREGiver is Home Instead’s concern for CAREGivers and the people receiving care. Home Instead’s policies and rules make me feel happy and valued. I also appreciate the respect I receive when people see me in my Home Instead uniform and recognize me as a PSW. It is fulfilling to be part of a team that truly cares about providing quality care.”

Navdeep smiles when she’s asked about her clients. “One of my favorite stories involves a client I worked with for almost a year, whom I’ll call Ms. N. Initially, she did not want me to come every day, but over time, she got used to me and started treating me like family. Ms. N. often told me she wouldn’t let me go until she breathed her last breath. One memorable aspect of our relationship was her playful chiding when I forgot to wear my glasses, calling me a ‘bad girl.’ The next day, when I remembered my glasses, she would proudly say, ‘That’s my good girl.’ Her affection and the bond we shared made my time with her unforgettable.”

Adewale May 2024

May 2024 - Adewale

In seven short months with Home Instead® of Kitchener-Waterloo, CAREGiver of the Month Adewale “has been to the mountaintop,” so to speak, with his professional senior-care experiences. Adewale has motivated a client to participate more actively with his prescribed activity regimen while at the same time strengthening his bond with the client. “It created cherished memories that we both hold dear,” Adewale explained.

“It’s moments like those that remind me of the power of compassion and creativity in caregiving, and I feel grateful to be able to make a positive impact in the lives of others through my work at Home Instead,” Adewale said. “It was one of the many heartwarming moments of which I’ve had the privilege of being a part.”

Offering an explanation of the situation, Adewale said: “The client initially had struggled with enthusiasm when it came to exercise. Instead of simply going through the motions, I decided to approach it in a different way. I turned our exercise sessions into fun and engaging activities, incorporating games and challenges to make it more enjoyable for him. Seeing his eyes light up with enthusiasm and hearing his laughter fill the room was truly priceless.”

Adewale’s journey with Home Instead began in October 2023, but the original idea of helping seniors began when he started to assist his grandmother. “My experiences as a family caregiver have been deeply personal and profoundly impactful. Growing up, I am fortunate to have had the opportunity to care for my beloved grandmother during her later years,” Adewale recalled. “Being there for her during her time of need taught me invaluable lessons about empathy, patience and the importance of human connection. It was during these moments I discovered my passion for caregiving and realized the profound impact it can have on someone’s life. These experiences instilled in me a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment in helping others.”

Adewale called his introduction to Home Instead “a serendipitous one.” He had been searching for a place where he could make a difference in people’s lives, particularly in the realm of senior care. One day, while browsing online, Adewale “stumbled” on Home Instead’s website and was immediately captivated by its mission and core values.

“When I learned about Home Instead’s commitment to ‘building trust, taking the lead and sharing your heart,’ which are the network’s guiding principles, I knew I had found the perfect match. What really struck a chord with me was the idea of not just providing care, but doing so with empathy and genuine compassion. So, without hesitation, I applied. The rest, as they say, is history,” Adewale explained. “I am a proud member of the Home Instead family. It has been an incredible journey of growth, compassion and making a positive impact on my clients.”

Adewale’s professional caregiving journey has been one filled with diverse experiences and continuous learning. Before joining Home Instead, he had worked in various caregiving roles, each experience contributing to his growth and understanding of what it means to care for others. Adewale pointed out: “Every encounter has shaped me into the CAREGiver I am today. I’ve received training in various aspects of caregiving, including first aid, medication management and specialized care techniques, all of which have equipped me to better serve my clients.”

Adewale added: “One of the things I cherish most about my job as a CAREGiver is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of my clients every single day. I have the chance to brighten someone’s day, alleviate their worries or simply lend a listening ear. Those things fill me with immense joy and satisfaction. Each person for whom I care has a unique story, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their lives, even if it’s just for a short while. The trust that develops between us is truly priceless, and I find great joy in being able to bring comfort, companionship and a sense of dignity to those for whom I care. Knowing I can make a positive difference in someone’s life is what fuels my passion for this work.”

Adewale’s examples of impactful caregiving are many. “Ah, where do I even begin?” he asked rhetorically. “There is the episode with a client who needed motivation for exercising. In another remarkable experience, I encountered a client who didn’t prioritize personal hygiene. While others had overlooked the situation, I took it upon myself to instill cleanliness in him.”

Adewale dedicated additional time to ensuring his client had a comfortable and dignified experience while assisting with personal-care routines. “Together,” Adewale said, “we crafted a regimen that not only tended to his physical needs but also prioritized his emotional well-being. Witnessing his transformation, as he regained confidence and began to take pride in his appearance once more, was immensely fulfilling. It reaffirmed my belief in the potency of compassionate care and its profound impact on an individual’s sense of self-worth.”

That story, among many others, highlight the essence of Adewale’s role as a Home Instead CAREGiver. He said, “It is about going beyond the tasks at hand and truly connecting with my clients, treating them with the utmost respect, compassion and empathy. It is about making a positive difference in their lives and ensuring that they feel valued, supported and loved.”

Jharana Apr 2024

April 2024 - Jharana

Jharana’s caring heart has always shined so brightly that her friends have teased her by giving her the title of “mother.” It was easy to see why: Jharana was constantly taking care of her parents, grandparents, other family members and close friends. Jharana was a family caregiver extraordinaire who later became a registered nurse in her homeland of Nepal.

“Being a nurse in my home country,” Jharana said, “I meshed my innate qualities such as compassion, observation and communication with the education I received and the countless skills I acquired. Those things, along with my professional experiences, are what I brought with me to Canada.”

After Jharana left her staff nurse’s position in Nepal, she traveled to Canada and enrolled at Conestoga College, where she began working on her postgraduate degree in nursing. It was at Conestoga where Jharana heard about Home Instead® of Waterloo-Kitchener. “My friend, who was also a classmate at Conestoga College, told me Home Instead was hiring CAREGivers, so I emailed Home Instead and received a job interview,” said Jharana, who joined Home Instead in July 2022. 

“Being a newcomer to Canada, taking a job with Home Instead was a great opportunity, and I was excited to start. I still remember my first day of work and how nervous I was. I remember telling myself, ‘Don’t be nervous. You will do just fine,’” Jharana recalled. “It would be a lie to say it was easy in the beginning. I remember having a hard time providing personal care for a dementia client on my first day. Naturally, I had anxiety because of the dementia. However, now I feel more confident with personal care and assisting the client in other ways. There are times when I have challenges, but I am less stressed and am finding ways to eliminate them.”

In April 2024, Jharana was honoured as Home Instead’s CAREGiver of the Month. Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Agna Subbaiah said: “At Home Instead, we reward our employees with the CAREGiver of the Month award to show our appreciation for all they do. This award is given to CAREGivers who strive for excellence. We want to acknowledge their hard work, compassionate care and service to others. Jharana certainly embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of ‘Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.’ ”

Jharana said: “I am proud to be part of the CAREGiver team that has excelled in every possible way with providing client care and relief to their family members. I love the good connections I have with my clients and their families, which have always helped me to help them. I also love spending time with them as I get to know how they were as individuals and learn from their experiences. With the clients, I have embraced reading their preferred books, enjoyed watching birds in spring with them and taking walks. Ironically, I had previously disliked taking walks.”

Jharana believes her connection with the Home Instead office staff is important. “They are the best people to help with the backgrounding of the clients. The office staff also is there to assist us CAREGivers in every other possible way. So, I call them if I have doubts about anything and make sure to communicate anything important.”

Recalling experiences with clients, Jharana offered: “Recently we celebrated a client’s birthday, one in which I planned with the family. We had a good time, and the client’s family expressed how they were happy to have been able to make it special. I could see from my client’s face that she too was happy. Those smiles are the reasons that make us proud to be CAREGivers and part of Home Instead. I always savor the fact that assistance is not only just providing physical care but also talking with them and sharing time with them.”

Rai Mar 2024

March 2024 - Rai

Even the smallest of pleasures can delight a senior in a gigantic way. That is what Home Instead® CAREGiver of the Month Raihana has learned, and it is a relational and bonding feeling that is amazing for both client and care professional.

“My cherished memories with clients are mostly the little and everyday moments that bring them smiles and joy,” said Raihana, whose nickname is “Rai.” She has served seniors on behalf of Home Instead of Waterloo since June 2023, and her franchise honoured Rai in April 2024.

Rai further explained: “For instance, I remember one client who was excited to show me the cake she had baked the night before I arrived. We ended up conversing about her grandmother, because it was a recipe that’s been passed down. I think this added a deeper and more personal touch to our interaction.”

Rai added: “Another memorable client experience was with Ms. G. We often spend time chatting about her life experiences. One day, we ended up talking about painting. She shared that at some point in her life, it was one of her passions. She gleefully showed me her paintings around her apartment.”

The bottom line, Rai recalled: “It was a surprise to see that even by just talking about my client’s paintings, it brought her joy and it was like a sense of fulfillment. The little moments reminded me the importance of connecting and building relationships with clients on a personal level and how those little connections can brighten their days.” 

Rai’s love of senior care might have been sparked in her native Philippines before she moved to Canada, a poignant time when she served as a family caregiver for her father. “When I took care of my dad, it truly was a challenging yet rewarding experience. That was especially the case because I was taking care of him round the clock. Looking after a loved one can be both physically and emotionally demanding. But seeing my dad’s comfort, and seeing I was able to provide him the care he needs made it all worthwhile.”

In the Philippines, Rai earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree (BSN). However, after she graduated, Rai decided to pursue a career in the arts and design. She explained, “It was a shift that allowed me to explore my passion for creativity. I started doing caregiving professionally only when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Like many others, I felt the urge to help in any way I could during those challenging times.”

Rai came to Canada to pursue further education, and she decided to enroll in a Personal Support Worker (PSW) program. “I wanted to work while continuing my studies, and I was looking for job possibilities. My friend works at Home Instead, and I had heard many good things about Home Instead, which influenced my decision to apply and work for them,” Rai said. 

Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Agna Subbaiah was thrilled when Rai joined the Home Instead franchise co-owned by Brenda Enright and Greg Bechard.

Nine months later, when Agna announced Rai’s honour, Agna said: “At Home Instead, we reward our employees with the CAREGiver of the Month award to show our appreciation for all they do. This award is given to CAREGivers who strive for excellence. We want to acknowledge their hard work, compassionate care and service to others.”

To achieve the CAREGiver of the Month status, an employee has shown she has gone above and beyond the call of duty, Agna pointed out. Empathy and compassion are taken into account for the award, as well as skill and wisdom for dealing with challenging situations. Rai embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.”

While Rai is a Personal Support Worker, her focus on Home Instead’s training, processes and procedures of successful caregiving helped her achieve the CAREGiver of the Month award.

Rai affirmed what she liked most about her job: “It is building relationships with my clients and their families. There are instances such as listening to their stories, learning new things from them and even learning new recipes from them. Little things make the job worthwhile.”

silpy

February 2024 - Silpymol B

For one point, Silpymol was working at a fulfilling job with flexible hours while she was taking classes as a post-graduate student in healthcare administration and service management at Conestoga College Kitchener-Doon Campus. On Home Instead’s ledger, the franchise was getting a medical doctor who was certified in India before coming to Canada. Silpymol has bonded well with her clients, has used her knowledge to help them and has been selected as the franchise’s CAREGiver of the Month for February. “I completed my MBBS (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery) and worked as a doctor for five years back home in India, so by profession, I’m a physician,” said Silpymol.

Silpymol explained: “As a family caregiver, I usually took care of grandparents. In my Home Instead position, I feel as if I am taking care of my grandparents. The thing I like most about my job is that it gives me a sort of satisfaction and happiness because I’m helping someone. I’m making them feel that they are not alone. Companionship and empathy are important. Simply talking with my clients and listening to them is by itself a memorable aspect to this job, and it is one of my favorite stories in general about being a CAREGiver.”

asal

January 2024 - Asal

Before coming to Canada and joining Home Instead® of Waterloo, Asal was a registered nurse who worked for more than two years with Italian seniors in a group home as one of her nursing jobs. “It was a privilege, fulfilling and an enriching
experience. I formed deep connections with the residents, and they became like my own grandparents,” Asal recalled.“I provided emotional support, assisted with daily activities and engaged in meaningful conversations with the residents,”Asal explained. “Over time, I developed strong bonds with many of them, and they became an integral part of my life.” Pointing out how she was deeply affected by her daily encounters as the days and weeks passed, Asal said: “As with life’s natural course, I faced the inevitable loss of some of the residents with whom I had grown close. It was incredibly challenging and emotional. Each loss reminded me of the fragility of life and the profound impact the elderly can have on our lives. These experiences taught me the importance of cherishing every moment and providing exceptional care and companionship. Through my work with Home Instead, I am honored to continue this journey of caregiving, knowing I can make a positive impact in the lives of seniors and their families.”

“From the very beginning, I have been impressed by Home Instead’s ability to provide exceptional care for seniors. The values of compassion, respect and dignity that underpin our work absolutely resonate with me. I am proud to be a part of a team that goes above and beyond to make a positive impact in the lives of our clients.” Home Instead was a natural fit for Asal in many other ways. “My professional caregiving background started in Italy, where I obtained my nursing degree. I have experience working in hospitals and clinics, providing care for patients with different medical conditions. My training and work experience have equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge to assist individuals in need of care and support,” Asal said.

niyati

December 2023 - Niyati

Home Instead® CAREGiver of the Month Niyati participated in a scavenger hunt of sorts while she was working with a client, and they both had an absolute blast. The bonding experience was a further strengthening of their already strong relationship. “One of my clients, Ms. B., lives in the past, She loves pranks. One day, she hid my shoes as part of one of her mischievous plans. Indulging her humor, I played along, pretending to embark on a ‘shoe hunt’ adventure with Ms. B.,” Niyati explained. “Amid the laughter, I steered her toward the garden outside her house, turning the search into a stroll. As we enjoyed the fresh air, I skillfully guided her back indoors, ensuring a smooth return while sharing a funny tale with her.” Niyati added: “Ms. B.’s playful antics became a source of joy, highlighting how responsible caregiving can seamlessly blend with humour, creating a lighthearted and caring atmosphere for both of us.”

Discussing the variety of challenges she faces, Niyati said: “I have worked with both independent and dependent clients. I offer more than physical support. I also help them by providing psychological support when clients have dementia, so I handle them with care, as if they are fragile. I provide companionship so they feel familiar with me.” First and foremost, my job is rewarding. Every client has a different nature. Some like entertainment, and some like a quiet environment, so I try to provide care according to their nature. For example, I play cards with them, cook for them and nurture them with singing. Thus, I like to see them smile and laugh. Empathy, honesty, flexibility and providing warm encouragement are my keys to helping my clients. Hence, helping my clients gives me satisfaction, which is what I like most about my job,” Niyati said. Niyati embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of ‘Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.’ Explaining her dedication to her clients,

Niyati said: “I believe in ‘What goes around, comes around,’ or some would say I am ‘paying it forward.’ I believe in helping the senior community by providing assistance as possible. I want to make seniors as independent as it is safely possible. I am lucky I have a chance to serve our clients as a Personal Support Worker.” Niyati said: “I have worked with both independent and dependent clients. I offer more than physical support. I also help them by providing psychological support when clients have dementia, so I handle them with care, as if they are fragile. I provide companionship so they feel familiar with me.” Niyati loves being a part of the CAREGiver, a member of a network comprised of Home Instead, Inc. and its parent company, Honor.

kd

October 2023 - Komal

Komal S. has been with Home Instead since June 2023. Komal was an ICU nurse in India and is also a PSW.  Her kindness and professionalism show in her work with her clients. Komal is always helpful with taking shifts, being on time, and communicating with the office. Komal enjoys relaxing and watching TV in her spare time.

jan b

September 2023 -Jan B

Jan Michael B. has been with Home Instead since May 2023. He is always dependable and trustworthy with his clients. Jan Michael reaches out to the office when we are in need of shifts to be covered. He communicates with the office regarding updates on his clients. This keeps the client's profile up to date. Jan Michael is from the Philippines and has 6 years of experience as an RN. He enjoys cooking and studying in his spare time.
Thank you, Jan Michael, for all you do!

Builds Trust: Takes the Lead: Share’s Her Heart

Picture2

August 2023- Bernadette

Bernadette W. has been with Home Instead since May 2019. She has spent many years working with Seniors and people with Special needs. Bernadette is very reliable, and helpful, and makes a positive change in her client's lives. She approaches every challenge gracefully and makes it work. Bernadette is informative about her client's day-to-day lives keeping the office and families informed. Bernadette is a hard worker and a great team player. Thank you, Bernadette, for all your help

Capture

July 2023 - Chivon

Chivon P. has been with Home Instead since May 2020. She has a passion for looking after seniors. She is reliable and efficient in detail. Chivon is in touch with the office to give us any updated information or concerns for her clients. Always looking out for their wellbeing. Chivon maintains a great relationship with her clients and families. Chivon is also willing to help the office with last-minute or fill-in shifts. Chivon likes animals, biking, walking, and baking. Thank you for all you do Chivon!

Builds Trust: Takes the Lead: Share’s your Hearth

Wynette was awarded Best PSW during June 2023 by Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo

June 2023 - Wynette

Wynette E. Is a very caring, kind, and joyful person. She has experience with all types of conditions such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s, Palliative care, Arthritis, and Anxiety. Having experience in all these conditions helps her be the great CAREGiver that she is with her clients. Wynette listens to her clients and is aware of what her client’s needs are. She is always ready to help them to manage their day. She is dedicated, always on time, and works hard. Wynette would like to work towards becoming an RPN.

Thank you, Wynette!

Builds Trust: Takes the Lead: Share’s His Hearth

Stephanie was awarded Best PSW during May 2023 by Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo

May 2023 - Stephanie

Stephanie M. is a PSW with Home Instead. She has had hands-on experience with most conditions. Dementia/Alzheimer’s, Parkinson, Anxiety etc. All of Stephanie’s experiences in these conditions have been a great help with her clients. Stephanie is very reliable and helpful with her client’s day-to-day activities. A little bit about Stephanie. She would like to work towards becoming a nurse. She likes physical activities, cooking, and gardening. Stephanie, we look forward to working with you and you supporting our clients.

Thank you for all you do Stephanie.

Builds Trust: Takes the Lead: Share’s His Hearth

Deepika was awarded Best Cargeiver during April 2023 by Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo

April 2023 - Deepika

Deepika D. is pursuing her education to become a PSW at Conestoga College. One of her proudest moments was when she received her Register Nurse license in India. Deepika comes from a family of four and speaks 3 languages. In her spare time, she enjoys classical music and likes comic books. Deepika is reliable, and helpful with her client’s day to day activities. Deepika is always happy to help in any way she can.

Thank you for all your do!

Builds Trust: Takes the Lead: Share’s His Hearth

Harsh was awarded Best PSW during MArch 2023 by Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo

March 2023 - Harsh

Harsh P. started with Home instead in January 2022, 6 months after arriving in Canada. He is always willing to work as many shifts as possible and help out where needed.

Harsh is a nurse by profession. He provides quality care to each of his clients. He comes from a family of 4 and loves to paint in his spare time.

Thank you for all your hard work.

Builds Trust: Takes the Lead: Share’s His Hearth

Maria was awarded Best Caregiver during February 2023 by Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo

February 2023 - Maria

Maria was born in El Salvador. She is number 4 of 10 children. Maria worked as an Assistant Nurse in El Salvador and a Nanny in the United States before moving to Canada in 2017. Maria has a sister she helps care for with Alzheimer’s. She joined Home Instead in September 2022. Maria cares a great deal for her clients and keeps the office updated on her clients and is a very reliable CAREGiver. Maria is a very busy lady.

Thank you for all your hard work.

Builds Trust: Takes the Lead: Share’s Her Heart

Tamenech was awarded Best Caregiver during January 2023 by Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo

January 2023 - Tamenech

Tamenech comes from a family of 6 siblings. She has 2 children of her own. Tamenech likes to watch TV in her spare time and loves to swim. Tamenech came to Canada in 2017 and joined Home Instead in June 2022.  Tamenech has built good relationships with her clients and client’s family. Tamenech is always very helpful!
Thank you Tamenech for all you do!

Builds Trust:  Takes the Lead:  Share’s Her Heart

Corrie was awarded Best Caregiver during December 2022 by Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo

December 2022 - Corrie

Corrie has been with Home Instead since 2017. Corrie always builds good relationships with her clients and client’s family. Corrie is always there to help her clients with their day to day activities the best she can by knowing what their needs are.
Thank you for going above and beyond Corrie!

Builds Trust: Takes the Lead: Share’s Her Heart:

Atack was awarded Best Caregiver during November 2022 by Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo

November 2022 - Atack

Atack started with Home Instead this year. She is a certified PSW and has Alzheimer's/Dementia and First Aid/CPR training. Busy lady! Atack is a very dependable CAREGiver. She builds a strong connection with her clients and is there when they need her. Always very helpful.

Thank you for all you do!

Builds Trust: Takes the Lead: Share’s Her Heart

 Sandeep was awarded Best Caregiver during October 2022 by Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo, ON

October 2022 - Sandeep

Thank you for everything you do Sandeep!

We want to thank Sandeep for the amazing support he provides to seniors in our community. Sandeep is very responsive and reliable. In the time that he worked at Home Instead, he never even had one call-off!! He is always ready to jump in and save the day when there is urgent shift coverage required.

Home Instead is thankful to have such an amazing caregiver who is always ready to go above and beyond for his clients.

Builds Trust:  Takes the Lead:  Share His Heart

Jalpesh was awarded Best Caregiver during September 2022 by Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo, ON

September 2022 - Jalpeshbhai

Thank you for everything you do Jalpeshbhai!

This month we want to thank Jalpeshbhai S. for being such a helpful Caregiver! He really shone through with his caring attitude and flexibility when it came to taking shifts.

He is not only loved by the office, but also by the clients! We get very positive feedback from his clients, and they love having Jalpesh as their Caregiver. Being involved with clients and communicating well with the office goes a long way and we value that very much.

Builds Trust: Takes the Lead: Share’s His Heart

Shanel was awarded Kitchener-Waterloo Best Caregiver during August 2022

August 2022 - Shanel

Thank you so much Shanel!

We have had Shanel for just over 5 years now and want to thank her for her dedication and hard work. Shanel has been so willing to help with last-minute shifts and is extremely responsive. We are so grateful to her loyalty and for keeping in communication with us.

Shanel’s personality is very caring, and we love to see CAREGivers connecting with their clients. It’s amazing to see CAREGivers have a caring relationship with their clients, so thank you Shanel!

Megha was awarded Best Caregiver during July 2022 by Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo, ON

July 2022 - Megha

Woo-hoo, Megha!

This month, a real star shone through by assisting us with all of her might—Megha M. Thank you so much Megha for assisting us with tight shift schedules, being responsive, and showing us that you are built for being an amazing Caregiver. The dedication you have shown has helped the clients immensely.

In just six months, Megha has won over the hearts of clients and coordinators alike. Megha has shown that to be a caregiver hard work is not an option, it is a necessity.

We truly appreciate the level of work you put into being a Caregiver Megha!

Kamaldeep was awarded Best Caregiver during June 2022 by Home Instead Kitchener-Waterloo, ON

June 2022 - Kamaldeep

In 2021, we were lucky enough to have hired a truly dedicated and hardworking employee, Kamaldeep Kaur. Her Integrity towards the work and humble nature has allowed her to gain trust with her clients and build stronger relationships with them.

Thank you Kamaldeep for always contributing to the well-being of the clients. She has worked a great deal when it comes to being efficient and has flourished in her role as a caregiver. She has helped us have a more positive effect while caring for the clients and moreover to bring a personal touch to everything we do.

Thank you for the work you do Kamaldeep!

Aliyah was awarded Kitchener-Waterloo Best Caregiver during May 2022

May 2022 - Aliyah

Aliyah became part of the Home Instead family in 2021 and quickly began building long lasting relationships with her clients. Aliyah’s clients would use words like trustworthy, kind and empathic to describe her personality and know that no matter the circumstance, Aliyah will always there to provide support to them and their families.

As a CAREGiver, Aliyah is always flexible when it comes to scheduling conflicts or urgent shifts. Our office staff can always count on her to be reliable and professional even in stressful situations. We are very lucky to have such extraordinary CAREGivers like Aliyah on our team.

Thank you for everything you do Aliyah!

Francisco was awarded Best Caregiver of the month in Kitchener - Waterloo for April 2022

April 2022 - Francisco

Every day at four o’clock one could hear the telephone ring at the Home Instead office and everyone leaping up to pick up that call. As it’s Francisco on the other end, wishing us a beautiful day and informing us that he is at his client’s home early, in his ever so sweet voice which can make your day.

Whenever he is working, he reaches his client’s home half an hour early just to spend time with him. Francisco has made a great friend and has built a beautiful relationship with his client based on respect and care. Francisco with his service at Home Instead has shown how a responsible and reliable caregiver can make a positive difference in someone's life. One could see how he puts his heart in going above and beyond for his client.

Francisco has been with Home Instead for about a year now and he never ceases to amaze us in the way he lives a “Home Instead” life.

Builds Trust: Takes the Lead: Share’s His Heart

Cynthia was awarded Best Caregiver of the month in Kitchener - Waterloo for February 2022

February 2022 - Cynthia

Cynthia builds trust with her clients by being reliable and always being there to support their every need.

As a CAREGiver, she is always taking the lead in everything she does. Cynthia went the extra mile last month by taking on COPD training for her fellow CAREGivers.

She connects with her clients on a daily basis to show and puts a part of her heart in everything she does!

We are so thankful to have CAREGivers like Cynthia on our team who truly define what living Home Instead means.

Kritika was awarded Best Caregiver of the month in Kitchener - Waterloo for  January 2022

January 2022-Kritika

Kritika Builds Trust: with her clients by always being on-time and reliable.

She Takes the Lead: by being in touch with the office and helping with shifts.

Kritika Share’s Her Heart: by being helpful to her clients needs. Her clients appreciate the help!

Bernadette  was awarded Best Caregiver of the month in Kitchener - Waterloo for December 2021

December 2021 - Bernadette

Bernadette is very detailed when updating the office on client conditions. Very responsive, always on time. Takes her quality of care very seriously and worries about her clients after hours Bernadette provides a very high quality of care, attentive and nurturing to her clients. She is always positive and helpful and a joy to be around.

Thank you, Bernadette!!!

Builds Trust: Takes the Lead: Share’s Her Heart

Pooja was awarded Best Caregiver of the month in Kitchener - Waterloo for November 2021

November 2021 - Pooja

Upon talking to Pooja, you can always expect to be greeted with her positive and caring personality. Pooja works very responsibly with her clients and never lets them down as her commitment to her schedule is a top priority for her. Pooja Builds Trust by showing up for her clients on a consistent and ongoing basis. She Takes the Lead by taking further training sessions to enhance her skills and growth, thus providing even more quality care for her clients. Pooja Shares her Heart by going above and beyond for clients and noticing the small details which make all the difference! In addition, Pooja has a very positive relationship with all the office staff at Home Instead. She is quick to respond, always willing to help, and always takes ownership and reaches out for assistance!

Tina  was awarded Kitchener-Waterloo Best Caregiver during October 2021

October 2021 - Tina

Tina S. has been with Home Instead since 2019. Tina S. has always been helpful and reliable. Tina S. learns what her clients needs are and attends to them accordingly. Tina S. is very caring and compassionate and goes the extra mile for her clients and the office staff.

Builds Trust! Takes the Lead! Shares Her Heart!

Riddhi was awarded Kitchener-Waterloo Best Caregiver during September 2021

September 2021 - Riddhi

Thank you, Riddhi S., for all you do. Riddhi S. is a great CAREGiver who….

Builds Trust: by being compassionate and reliable.

Takes the Lead: by being helpful and flexible with her shifts.

Share’s Her Heart: by being caring and helping her clients with their day-to-day activities.

Christian was awarded Kitchener-Waterloo Best Caregiver during August 2021

August 2021 - Christian

Christian C. is a very kind, caring and compassionate person.

These are great qualities as a CAREGiver. Christian……….

Builds Trust: by being patient & empathetic.

Takes the Lead: by being a go getter and always staying positive

Shares His Heart: by being gentle and kind with all his clients.

Cecilia was awarded Kitchener-Waterloo Best Caregiver during July 2021

July 2021 - Cecilia

Cecilia K. has been with Home Instead for 5 years. Cecilia is a wonderful, caring, responsible person and that makes for a great CAREGiver. She has always been helpful with her clients over the years. Cecilia has been with her current client for along time and is always ready to help with the needs of her client and to also support the office staff with shifts.

Cecilia Builds Trust, Shares her Heart, Takes the Lead in all areas.

Navneet was awarded Kitchener-Waterloo, ON Best Caregiver during June 2021

June 2021 - Navneet

Navneet is always positive. She Builds Trust by being dependable and accepting shifts for her clients. She Shares her Heart being empathetic and compassionate. Navneet Takes the Lead by demonstrating her caring and calming personality to help her clients with their day to day activities.

Rahel was awarded Kitchener-Waterloo Best Caregiver during May 2021

May 2021 - Rahel

Rahel A. is always positive. She Builds Trust by being reliable and compassionate for her clients. Shares her Heart and is fun-loving and easy-going. Rahel Takes the Lead and goes above and beyond for her clients. She will run errands and brings things for her clients when needed.

Sharon was awarded Kitchener-Waterloo Best Caregiver during April 2021

April 2021 - Sharon

Sharon S. is extremely dedicated and hard working. She Builds Trust by providing high-quality care through her attentiveness to each client. Sharon Shares her Heart when going out of her way with small details to make her clients smile. She Takes the Lead with her positive attitude and gentle nature.

Oluwole was awarded March 2021, Caregiver of the month in Kitchener - Waterloo

March 2021 - Oluwole

Oluwole A. Builds Trust by being there for his clients. Oluwole A. is very dedicated, always on time, and very hard working. Shares his Heart with kindness and a big smile when helping his clients with their daily needs. Takes the Lead by knowing what needs to be done for his clients and getting it done.

Martha was awarded February 2021, Caregiver of the month in Kitchener - Waterloo

February 2021 - Martha

Martha O. Builds Trust reliable to her clients, families, and office Team. Martha O. is always willing to help where needed. She is dedicated, caring, and consistently hard working. Shares her Heart with her clients tending to their daily needs. Takes the Lead by being aware of her client’s needs to be able to support her clients. Also reports and updates any changes or concerns to the Office Team.

Sarah was awarded January 2021, Caregiver of the month in Kitchener - Waterloo

January 2021 - Sarah

Sarah D. Builds Trust with her clients and the office by being reliable and professional at all time. Sarah Shares her Heart with her clients and lets them know she is there to help. She Takes the Lead by making her client’s days as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Sarah communicates with the office team. This helps keep the client’s profile updated.

Dianne was awarded December 2020, Caregiver of the month in Kitchener - Waterloo

December 2020 - Dianne

Dianne always offers great support for her clients and helps them with their day to day needs. Dianne also is always in touch with the office team and helping whenever possible. Dianne truly Builds TrustTakes the Lead, and Shares her Heart with her clients and all who are involved.

Chivon was awarded November 2020, Caregiver of the month in Kitchener - Waterloo

November 2020 - Chivon

Chivon Builds Trust by being available to her clients and their families in their time of need. Chivon is always willing to take on extra shifts. She is dedicated, caring and consistently hard working. Shares her Heart with her clients making their day more enjoyable. Takes the Lead by being on top of everything and by continually supporting her clients. Also reporting any of her clients changes or concerns to the office.

Anne was awarded October 2020 Caregiver of the Month for Kitchener - Waterloo

October 2020 - Anne

Anne Builds trust by always being on-time and reliable. She Takes the lead by always being there for her clients. She is great at calling the office to inform us about any changes regarding her clients. Anne Shares her heart by always being helpful and always going the extra mile for her clients!
Debbie was awarded September 2020 Caregiver of the Month in Kitchener - Waterloo

September 2020 - Debbie

Debbie C. has been with Home Instead since October 2018. Debbie is very compassionate and caring. Debbie puts her all into looking after her clients. Her clients families trust and appreciate her time and dedication. Debbie truly Builds Trust, Takes the Lead, and Shares her Heart with her clients.

Jill was awarded February's 2020 Caregiver of the Month in Kitchener - Waterloo

February 2020 - Jill

Jill Shares her Heart by being there for her clients and giving her all. Takes the Lead by always ensuring her clients are as comfortable and is very reliable in reporting concerns early so her clients are looked after properly. Builds Trust by being someone her clients can count on. Jill's clients always call saying how much they like her and want her for more shifts. Jill gets to know her clients personally so she can ensure their needs are being taken care of.

	Debbie outstanding caregiver Kitchener Waterloo 1 202

January 2020 - Debbie

Debbie C. Builds Trust with her clients and the office by being reliable and professional at all times. Debbie is proactive and Shares her Heart with her clients. She Takes the Lead by making sure her clients are comfortable and cared for making their day as comfortable and interesting as possible. Debbie always updates the office with any concerns or changes with her clients to make sure they are being cared for in the best way.

Emebet was awarded December's 2019 Caregiver of the Month in Kitchener, Waterloo

December 2019 - Emebet

Emebet builds trust in many ways. Emebet is always willing to taking longer shifts with her clients, adjusting days and times to accommodate. If Emebet can make it work, she does.

Emebet takes the lead by being in touch with the office about the information on her clients. Whether that be from her clients or client's families directly or observation on her shifts.

Emebet shares her heart by always being positive, helpful with her clients. Her cheerful personality always shines.

Jon outstanding caregiver Kitchener Waterloo 11 2019

November 2019 - Jon

Jon builds trust with his clients by always being dependable and trustworthy.

He takes the lead by demonstrating his caring attitude at all times, and advocating for his clients.

He shares his heart by always being empathetic and compassionate!

	Colomba was awarded October's 2019 Caregiver of the Month in Kitchener, Waterloo

October 2019 - Colomba

Colomba builds trust with her clients by always being on-time and reliable. 

She takes the lead by demonstrating her caring and calming personality. 

She shares her heart by being sensitive to her clients needs, and going the extra mile. Her clients adore her!

Christina was awarded September's 2019 Caregiver of the Month in Kitchener, Waterloo

September 2019 - Christina

Christina is a very dedicated CAREGiver. Christina has been with her current client since May 2010. There is nothing Christina would not do for her client. Some of those things are taking her client to appointments, day to day activities, extra shifts when needed. Christina even helps when family comes to visit from a far.

Christina truly Builds Trust, Takes the Lead, and Shares her Heart!

Corrie was awarded August's 2019 Caregiver of the Month in Kitchenet, Waterloo

August 2019 - Corrie

Corrie builds trust by being very reliable and diverse. Corrie will adjust her schedule to help clients, and take extra shifts. Whatever it takes to make her clients day easier!

She takes the lead by always being available for her clients and being there for her clients needs. Corrie is great at being the eyes and ears for her clients and keeping the office informed on any changes or concerns.

Corrie shares her heart with her positive spirt, compassion and always great attitude!

Our Team

Your Home Instead team in Waterloo, ON possesses a heartfelt desire to work with seniors in the community. It is our ultimate goal to forge extraordinary relationships between our clients and their CAREGivers.

When you or an elderly loved one is ready for help, our caring staff is on call to quickly answer your questions and accommodate your senior services needs.

A Home Instead caregiver kneels to help an elderly man tie his shoes in a cozy living room, highlighting patient and personalized care for daily tasks.

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