CAREGiver of the Month - January 2022

Congratulations, Ravi S, for being our Caregiver of the Month – Jan 2022!!

Ravi is a fantastic caregiver whose experience, diligence and sincerity are evident in his care efforts for all his clients. Hi prior experiences as a trauma nurse, straightforward approach and loads of patience foster instant appeal with his clients and leads to optimal health solutions for them.

Where were you born? Where did you grow up?

I was born in a small village in India, named Karad. I finished my schooling in Karad and then moved to another state in India, called Karnataka, to do my Diploma in General and Psychiatric Nursing. In terms my work as a nursing professional, the Kingdom of Saudia Arabia was my first stop where I got certified in CPR and in Advanced Cardiac Life Support. After spending a decade in Saudi Arabia, I moved to Burnaby, BC.

How long have you worked at Home Instead?

I have been working at Home Instead for 2 years now.

What’s your favorite part of caregiving?

My favourite part when it comes to caregiving is spending time with, learning more about and from my clients. Going for walks with them, encouraging them to do exercises while doing the exercises along with them, really energizes me. Listening to a senior’s concerns helps me understand my clients and that really helps me understand how to better help my client’s needs. I really believe in person centred care. My goal is to provide the best possible care for my clients while making sure they are safe and comfortable.

Any stories about a client that you would like to share?

I recall this one new client I was assigned to – and as soon as I started my shift, I felt that he was looking angrily at me and was unhappy, for no particular reason. Well, I just listened to his concerns, kept my calm, gave him options, and asked his preferences in delivering care to him. As days passed, he started to realize that he was not right in judging people. He apologized and verbalized his feelings. He talked about the problems he is going through. His eyes were teary, and I could see, how difficult it was for him to deal with the health decline he was facing. At that moment, I felt that although he looked so tough and always angry, deep inside he felt helpless. It gave me a lesson that I should always remember, to not react to others’ actions without knowing the reasons behind their behavior.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I am a learner! I enjoy learning new things, enjoying the company of pleasant people, playing sports and going on adventures.

God bless you, Ravi!