Gail began working with Home Instead in September of 2019. She had only been retired for a year but decided she wanted to continue working, so joined us in our quest to enhance the lives of seniors. Gail brought with her several years of experience as a CCA and that experience has been put to good use.
Gail has worked hard to develop strong bonds with our clients. If there are times that are particularly challenging with a client, Gail will reach out to talk this through with one of our Admin team members. She isn’t afraid to seek assistance when needed, realizing we are all one big team! She will gladly listen to ideas and suggestions, then find ways to incorporate those ideas into the care for the client. Gail uses her keen observational skills to determine when it may be time for a change. If she notices decline or something not working well any longer, she will speak to us about this so we can accommodate the needs of the client. Gail also understands that families can feel stressed in their endeavor to try to care for their loved one and that they may still need to play a role in that care. She will hear their plight, affirming their needs and making suggestions when necessary. This helps to ease fears of someone new coming in to assist. Gail is ready to lead and her experience shines through. Gail is also an active listener. This is a skill of hers that has formed many strong relationships with our clients. If we have a new idea or a new project, Gail becomes excited and is fully on board. You can almost see the wheels turning as she thinks about how this idea might work well with other clients she sees.
In case you didn’t know, Gail is not a morning person, yet, in a pinch, she has taken the odd morning shift, knowing we really needed to fill it for the client, and we truly appreciated this, Gail. Gail has a huge heart and finds room in it for each and every person she sees. She wants to provide the best care for each client and looks for ways to do this every day.
Gail, I remember one particular couple you had been serving and the difficulties with the advancing dementia in this home were something you came in and discussed with us on several occasions. In those discussions, I heard that it was hard at times, I heard you say that you didn’t know what to do that might work for them, I heard you talk about the different strategies and things you’d tried and we went around it a few times. Yet, in all of that, I never heard you say that you couldn’t manage or that you couldn’t help them. You acknowledged it was difficult but with support, you were willing to try anything and listened to many different suggestions, some of which you had already tried but you were completely on board to give it another go. I remember feeling appreciative of your communication at that time and I admire that you continued to push forth through the difficulties because you knew how much this couple needed you.
We have been fortunate to have Gail as part of the Home Instead team and know the difference she has made in the lives of our clients. She is never afraid to give something a try and even when we might get plundered with 30 feet of snow, Gail is still willing to serve—if we can get her there!
Thank you for the last year and half of serving clients with Home Instead, Gail.
You bring light into lives and smiles onto faces!
All client names have been changed for privacy.
