CAREGiver of the Month

Client’s Happiness Leaves CAREGiver Aliza in Tears

Home Instead^® CAREGiver of the Month Aliza sat in her car and cried. They were tears of joy. That’s what happened when Aliza shared her heart – and a special ethnic dish – with a client who was all smiles when Aliza left her shift. “My client was so happy over something that was so normal to me,” said Aliza, who had joined Home Instead of Newmarket on May 1.

“She was one of my first clients, an absolute gem. We clicked instantly on my first visit. She enjoyed talking with me. I would chat with her for long periods of time. She was in love with who I was as a person,” Aliza explained.

Then it happened. The client remembered a certain Pakistani dish she had tried years ago. In fact, the client was gushing about her love for Pakistani food. Aliza, a native of Pakistan, decided before her next shift that she’d return with the ingredients for the dish the client was craving. “We ended up cooking together!” Aliza said. “I’ve never seen a woman so happy and appreciative over food. I was so honoured I could make one of her dreams come true.”

Cue the tears of happiness. “I love the work I do and the impact I make on all of my clients. Honestly, it doesn’t get better than seeing someone’s eyes sparkle with joy and happiness when I provide any type of care they might need,” Aliza said.

Aliza’s perceptiveness, initiative and accommodation are three of the reasons she was chosen as CAREGiver of the Month. While announcing the honour, Home Instead Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Jennifer Joseph said: “Aliza builds trust, takes the lead and shares her heart, which are Home Instead’s guiding principles.”

Aliza offered: “As a CAREGiver, what I enjoy most is the opportunity to make a positive impact on my clients. Providing personalized care and support tailored to each person’s unique needs and preferences is incredibly rewarding. Additionally, building meaningful relationships with clients and their families brings me joy and fulfillment. Knowing I can help enhance their quality of life and bring comfort and companionship into their homes makes my job truly fulfilling.”

Aliza had heard of Home Instead through her previous work clients. She said the moment she saw Home Instead post for CAREGivers on Indeed.com, she “jumped on it.” Aliza added: “I was hired after interviewing and having my resume reviewed, including my past experiences and education. I’m a compassionate and well-educated healthcare worker with six years of intensive background in both office patient care and home-based practice. I’m proficient in the management of multiple tasks while ensuring quality and accuracy of all duties performed.”

Aliza was previously a working paramedic student with significant knowledge and skills. She received her diploma as a paramedic last year. “Regarding my work history, which has all taken place in Canada,” Aliza said, “I’ve mainly been working in healthcare of some sort. I was a family caregiver for my grandmother. I was a Personal Support Worker at Bayshore Community Health Care for a while. Then I was a clinical extern with RVH hospital in Barrie, Ontario, while I was still in the paramedic program. Before I moved to Barrie for school, I was working at a daycare with infants and little children, so I’ve been all over the place.”

Considering all of those work experiences, Aliza proclaimed, “Home Instead is by far my favourite workplace. This is something I always wanted to do. I enjoy being able to help others and making their days a little easier and lighter. I love making a difference in someone’s life. When a CAREGiver first goes to a client, the senior truly doesn’t know anything about the CAREGiver. So, with a beautiful smile, a listening ear and a pure heart, I strive each and every time to bond with my clients. I also make friends with the client’s family.” 

In Barbara’s native African homeland of Uganda, the elderly live with family when they reach the stage where caregiving is needed. Barbara, now an award-winning CAREGiver for Home Instead^® of Newmarket, recalled: “I was privileged to take care of my maternal grandmother.”

Offering more details while reminiscing about those days with her senior loved one, Barbara said: “Though the care was not precisely on a professional level, certain things stood out. I later learned that many of our family’s care techniques were standard professional senior-care practices. The bonding and connection were immense between my grandmother and me – that is nothing that can be taught or acquired unless it’s already in your heart. She was cognitive but needed help with activities of daily living until her passing.”

Barbara added: “When I arrived in Canada, professional caregiving came naturally because it was already ingrained in me from my experiences with my grandmother. All I needed to do here in Canada was take it a notch higher with training.”

Barbara’s agency training began March 15, 2024, when she joined Home Instead of Newmarket. In fewer than three months, Barbara was honoured as her franchise’s CAREGiver of the Month. Among the considerations for achieving CAREGiver of the Month status, an employee has shown she has gone above and beyond the call of duty, Home Instead Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Jennifer Joseph pointed out.

Empathy and compassion are taken into account for the award, as well as skill and wisdom for dealing with challenging situations. Barbara embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of  “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.” While Barbara is a Personal Support Worker (PSW), her focus on Home Instead’s training, processes and procedures of successful caregiving also helped her earn the CAREGiver of the Month award.

Barbara was eager to take the necessary steps to become a senior-care professional. “A friend told me about Home Instead when I was working as a private-duty caregiver part time and was not getting the hours I needed. Although I had the necessary senior-care experience to join an in-home care agency, I knew I also needed a Personal Support Worker certificate to join any of those organizations,” Barbara said. “I had already searched for jobs online in various organizations and all seemed to require a CSW certification.”

Barbara already had enjoyed what she was doing as a private-duty caregiver. The desire to draw from formal education opportunities gave her a reason to take her profession to the next level. “To pursue caregiving professionally at an agency level, I enrolled to study PSW,” Barbara said. “Unfortunately, not long after I started my studies, my client passed away. This was a very sad, trying time for me. Because of the hustle and bustle of life, little did I realize I had developed a very strong connection with this client, and her passing left so much void in my heart. And I was back on the streets in search for a job. I put out word to a few friends.”

Barbara further recalled: “Interestingly, another friend brought up Home Instead, the second time I had heard about the company. My friend strongly recommended I apply there, which I did. After days of no response, I took the initiative and called the Richmond Hill office and introduced myself. I was asked to send in my resume. Long story short, I was hired. That’s how I found myself working with Home Instead.”

Describing what she likes best about being a Home Instead CAREGiver, Barbara said: “It is knowing what I do makes a positive impact on my clients. At the end of the shift, seeing the client genuinely happy with the time spent with me and looking forward to my next visit is priceless. The joy, satisfaction and gratitude I get is out of this world.”

Barbara pointed out that Home Instead’s management makes the CAREGivers’ jobs easier. “They give us CAREGivers the sense of belonging, make us feel and know we are a team working together to make a difference in people’s lives. The professionalism and communication, all of those factors just motivate us to do our best round the clock,” she said.

“I recently learned from a Home Instead client that one of my co-workers has been the client’s CAREGiver for the past five years. I am so inspired and intrigued by this level of commitment and dedication from this particular CAREGiver and the many out there doing the same. I can’t begin to imagine the relationship, bond and memories they share together. That’s something I would love to emulate.”

It is evident that CAREGiver of the Month Sola has found fulfillment while serving seniors in her position as a senior-care professional with Home Instead^® of Newmarket during the three short months she has worked for the award-winning Toronto-area franchise.

“I’m the happiest when the clients feel calm and comfortable,” Sola said. “What makes me feel good is when I play a useful role for clients and help them deal with their pains, specifically for those who have had severe problems in their lives in which they have lost some aspect of their physical health permanently.”

How does Sola assist vulnerable seniors?

In addition to her strong companionship skills, Sola provides safety assurance, meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, and transportation and errands. Sola offers personal assistance with eating, grooming, dressing, bathing, incontinence care, cognitive impairment, hospice support and mobility. By expertly doing so, Sola not only assists her clients, but helps their families eliminate worry, reduce stress and re-establish personal freedom.

To build on their knowledge and experience, Sola and other Newmarket CAREGivers are offered the opportunity to increase their dementia-care skills by taking part in the Home Instead network’s one-of-a-kind training protocol. Home Instead’s Person-Centered Care Training for Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementias is recognized by the Alzheimer’s Association^® for incorporating the evidence-based dementia-care practice recommendations in these topic areas: Alzheimer’s and dementia, person-centered care, assessment and care planning, activities of daily living, and behaviors and communication.

Home Instead Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Jennifer Joseph said, “I want to congratulate Sola on being selected as CAREGiver of the Month for May at our Newmarket franchise. Our service coordinator, Shujedhiga, chose Sola because she is reliable, and all of her clients trust and love her. Thank you, Sola, for your terrific work.”

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

Training is a big part of a CAREGiver’s success, but Sola is not a newcomer to this compassionate work. Referring to her previous senior-care experience, Sola said, “I had worked more than 10 years ago in a professional caregiving role.”

Sola added: “I believe the good feeling we convey to clients will one day return to our lives. That is important to me because I tend to take a long-range view of life. No one knows what is going to happen in future, but I wish to be known as someone who cared deeply for others.”

CAREGiver of the Month Frances explained why she serves seniors on behalf of Home Instead^® of Newmarket, and her words came straight from her heart:

“Whether it’s sharing stories, exercising together, engaging in activities one-on-one or simply providing companionship for my clients, being able to make a positive impact on someone’s life brings me immense joy and fulfillment. The ability to empower seniors to maintain their independence and dignity as they age is truly rewarding.”

When Home Instead Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Jennifer Joseph announced Newmarket’s honoured CAREGiver for April, there was no surprise among the staff that it was Frances, whose God-given first name is Uzoamaka, which means “The Road Is Good.”

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

Frances generously drew from her soul while she shared her caregiving journey that led her to accept Home Instead’s job offer and begin as a CAREGiver on Dec. 29, 2023. Frances said: “My passion for caregiving spans much longer than my fruitfully short time with Home Instead.”

“I am originally from Nigeria, and helping the elderly has always been a part of my life. Over the years,” Frances said, “I have had the privilege of caring for my parents, witnessing firsthand the challenges and rewards of caregiving. I also have assisted seniors while volunteering. These experiences have not only equipped me with practical skills but have also instilled a profound sense of empathy and understanding for the unique needs of each individual for whom I care.”

Frances noted that while her background in caregiving is deeply rooted in family responsibilities, her professional senior caregiving experience started with Chartwell Barton Retirement Residence in Newmarket where she worked as a guest attendant who assisted seniors with day-to-day living. As life’s journeys often are, Frances’ story takes twists and turns.

“That journey into professional caregiving began after a brief stint as a volunteer patient survey administrator at the East & North Hertfordshire NHS Trust in Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom. This experience, while fleeting, ignited a deep-seated desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of the elderly,” explained Frances, who later veered into the academic world to earn her Master of Business Administration.

Frances recently completed her MBA from the University Canada West in British Columbia. During her spare time, Frances volunteered for not-for-profit organizations such as Diverse City Community Services. Part of her duties involved caring for the elderly. After finishing her MBA program in October 2023, Frances searched for job opportunities when she returned to Ontario. She discovered Home Instead in a quest to find an organization that aligned with her values of compassionate and personalized care for seniors.

“Upon learning about Home Instead’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older adults, I knew I had found the perfect fit. My decision was driven by a sincere desire to translate my personal experiences of supporting my own grandparents and parents into a fulfilling career dedicated to serving seniors in need,” Frances said. “What I cherish most about my role as a CAREGiver is the opportunity to forge genuine connections with clients.”

One of Frances’ favorite Home Instead stories involves a client who, despite facing physical limitations, had an unwavering spirit and zest for life. “We would spend our time together reminiscing about youth, laughing over shared memories and finding joy in the simplest of moments,” Frances said. “Witnessing that resilience and determination served as a constant reminder of the importance of embracing life’s challenges with grace and optimism. While I cannot disclose names, the memories and bonds formed with each client are cherished treasures that fuel my passion for caregiving every day.”

Frances added: “As the CAREGiver of the Month, I am grateful for the opportunity to continue making a meaningful difference in the lives of seniors, one compassionate interaction at a time.”

“It was an amazing venture.”

That’s what CAREGiver of the Month Yvonne called one caregiving situation with Home Instead^® of Newmarket. Yvonne also could have called it “an amazing journey” with the multiplicity of twists and turns she gladly made to win over a client.

The journey started when the client’s son called Yvonne and honestly shared with her that his dad “is old, grumpy and difficult to deal with.” Frankly, it sounded like a familiar theme to Yvonne and not a troublesome warning for rough sailing ahead.

The unfailingly compassionate Yvonne, who always wears a warm smile and has an uplifting personality, understood. It was no big deal. She and other CAREGivers have encountered their fair share of challenges. Basically, nothing’s too big for Yvonne to overcome. Revealing her secret to caregiving success, Yvonne said: “For my part, I treated the client with empathy, patience and respect. As a result, I was able to make him feel at home.”

As a result, Yvonne’s cordial personality won over the client and his family, and they reciprocated. “They gave me the chance to sincerely feel as though I am part of their family and not a mere hired worker,” she said.

Yvonne added: “Initially when I went in, my client didn’t open up with me. But, in time, he spoke happily to me. There were occasions when people came around to visit, and he would tell them, ‘Yvonne is a good friend,’ and that alone gave me some fulfillment that my presence had made a difference and that’s what I went in for.”

Yvonne’s impactful ability to bond with clients and their families while creating lasting and warm relationships has not been lost on the Home Instead staff. While announcing Yvonne had been selected as CAREGiver of the Month for March, Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Jennifer Joseph said: “Thank you so much, Yvonne, for all the hard work you do, as it does not go unnoticed. Yvonne, each and every day, you display Home Instead’s guiding principles of ‘Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.’ ”

Following an online job search, Yvonne found Home Instead and joined the award-winning franchise, co-owned by Brenda Enright and Greg Bechard, two months ago. “This is my first job in Canada, but I had my maiden professional caregiver experience back home for a few

months,” Yvonne recalled. “Caring for the aged comes with an incredible experience. I had never previously tried this as a full-time endeavor. I remember back home that my father-in-law suffered heart problems and an auntie suffered from a stroke, and I offered to care for them because they needed someone to help. I was a family caregiver.”

Yvonne pointed out: “With that background and after the resourceful training by Home Instead, I felt more confident and accepted my first assignment. My client was a perfect fit for me. Lives of the aged are often lonely, and that’s the reason I offered to be there. He saw me as family and I was committed to giving my all with regard to the needed help to make him feel the warmth of companionship and being OK.”

Making a philosophical observation that always proves to be true but is seldom considered by younger generations, Yvonne offered: “At the end of it all (life’s walk), we will also cross the path of their age brackets and will expect the same humane support from others. Thanks to the Home Instead management for giving me the opportunity to serve the elderly.”

A friend asked Yvonne what she liked most about her position at a Home Instead CAREGiver. There was no blanket statement, so after careful consideration, Yvonne said:  “First of all, Home Instead gives you the opportunity to choose suitable shifts. So, there is flexibility. Second, I love the feeling of being there for someone who, under normal life conditions, could be more functional just like myself. But that person has begun to experience ‘a new normal’ because of the challenges of illness and disabilities. I provide the hope that such people can be loved and find companionship.”

Two striking facts tell you everything you need to know about
honoured CAREGiver Karlene.
• She is a CAREGiver of the Month for the third time in a little
more than two years for Home Instead® of Newmarket, Ontario.
• Karlene is still assisting the same client she has helped since she was selected for the first time as Newmarket’s CAREGiver of the Month in November 2021.

So, why is the second bullet point important? That’s easy to
explain. It shows the consistent, ongoing excellent care that
Karlene provides. As for that long-term client, Ms. J. is in her 90s and has moved from independent care to an assisted living care community after having experienced a decline through the natural aging process. “She is weaker. She uses a walker but can’t go far. She spends a considerable amount of time in bed. If she’s not feeling weak when I am there, I don’t allow her to stay in bed the whole time. I help her get up and move around a little and get a change of pace, ” Karlene said. “Sometimes she doesn’t remember me, and on other days, she does. We have a pleasant time. She always smiles. She will talk, but usually not for long. When she does chat for a while, she loves to talk about her church. We watch her church service on her tablet.

Heartfelt Empathy Helped Raquel Win Client’s Trust

Mrs. M. needed help to remain in her home safely, but the
senior was in denial. She made that quite clear to Home
Instead® CAREGiver of the Month Raquel. But Raquel, with a quiet empathy, a huge reservoir of compassion and a    keen sense of humor, patiently persuaded Mrs. M. to allow her to stay. “Could we just talk?” Raquel wondered in a friendly, disarming way. “That’s actually one of my most cherished Home Instead memories that involves a client. Mrs. M. initially struggled with the idea of receiving assistance, but over time, we developed a strong bond built on trust and companionship said Raquel. Raquel added: “Our shared laughter, meaningful conversations and the sense of security I provided became instrumental in enhancing her overall well-being. Seeing her flourish under my care is a testament to the transformative power of compassionate caregiving.”

Raquel’s endearing ways weren’t evident with just Mrs. M. It is clear that the aspects Raquel cherishes most about her role as a Home Instead CAREGiver are the genuine connections she forms with her clients. “Building relationships based on trust and mutual respect is incredibly rewarding. Witnessing the positive impact of my assistance on their daily lives brings me immense joy and a sense of fulfillment that goes beyond the professional realm,” Raquel said. Raquel’s journey into caregiving was deeply influenced by her
experiences as a registered nurse in the Philippines. “I played a significant role in caring for different types and ages of clients.

This handson experience not only enriched myunderstanding of the challenges faced by seniors but also fueled my desire to extend the same level of compassion and support to others in need,” Raquel said. "I am honored and grateful for the opportunity to share my caregiving journey. Being considered for the CAREGiver of the Month award is truly special to me. I have been a proud Home Instead CAREGiver since last fall. In this time, I have had the privilege of making a meaningful difference in the lives of those entrusted to my care,” Raquel said

CAREGiver of the Month Lola knows that a person’s healing journey is not always a physical one. Less than a month after joining Home Instead® of Newmarket, she aided in an emotional healing for a client who had encountered challenges that had left him tired and depressed. “What I find most interesting as a Home Instead CAREGiver is the opportunity accorded to me to render care for my fellow human beings, lifting their spirits from a state of emptiness to giving them hope and love,” Lola explained. One day, Home Instead sent Lola to help Mr. T., a client in his 80s. Something about Mr. T.’s story had called out to Lola’s heart. With a gentle knock, she entered his home, unsure of what to expect. She found Mr. T. sitting in his faded armchair, shouting at his 53-year-old son who has had many of his own personal challenges and had become difficult to deal with. Even more than that, the client’s second son is hospitalized, while the client’s wife has been residing apart from her husband in a long-term retirement home because of her
physical condition.
“All of those aspects of the client’s life have conspired to stress him and led to his depression. His eyes were filled with sadness, and his shoulders slumped under the weight of his burdens. I approached him cautiously, offering a warm smile and a listening ear. I offered to assist him with a shower, but he turned it down. I offered to cook for him, and he declined,” Lola recalled. “When he noticed I was worried about how to help him, Mr. T. shared his story, pouring out his heartache and loneliness. He spoke of the emptiness that had consumed his life because he missed his beloved wife, and he struggled each day while trying to find purpose or joy.”

A very special tea for two. That’s how CAREGiver of the Month Maninder grew closer to his client.Maninder explained: “The client is very fond of tea, and she mostly likes the tea according to her taste, but one day she asked me to make tea. So, I made tea as I usually do, and she drank it and said nothing. After some hours, she again asked me to make tea. I made the tea just as I had with the previous one. She drank half a cup and told me, "You made very tasty tea. It’s very rich and foamy.’ Then I explained the whole recipe to her, so this is a favourite story for me.”

The lead-up to the beginning of Maninder’s serendipitous adventure with Home Instead began in September when he was looking for part-time work. “Then in the initial days of October,” Maninder recalled, “I sat in a classroom with my college friends and discussed jobs, such as where they working. Two of my friends already were working for Home Instead, they had the same background of study as I do. They encouraged me to apply at Home Instead, with them pledging to serve as references, and I did. Maninder has served as a family caregiver. “I always try to do my best when I provide care,” he said, “whether it’s my family members or any others. As caregiving is in my blood now, that’s why my clients have always liked me from the first day of work” Maninder added: “I have a soft heart for the elders. Whenever I see them helpless, at that moment, I help them in any possible manner to make them happy, which makes my day.Those kinds of things I like most about my job.

                  Suwan Quickly Zooms Into Honoured CAREGiver Status
Life has moved at lightning speed during the past few months
for Suwan. In mid-August, Suwan interviewed for a Caregiver
position with Home Instead® of Newmarket. Among her previous position, the native of Seoul, South Korea, worked as a registered nurse in a hospital emergency room. After Suwan accepted the job offer, she immediately started her Home Instead training. As the calendar marched into mid September, Suwan began working with Home Instead clients, and less than three weeks later she was selected as the CAREGiver of the Month for October. Home Instead Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Jennifer Joseph, who announced Suwan’s accolade, said: “Suwan embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of ‘Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart’ because she has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Empathy and compassion are taken into account for the award, as well as skill and wisdom for dealing with challenging situations."In many ways, serving Home Instead clients is like helping family members.

Among her clients, Suwan is assisting a 90- year-old grandfather who is living in a retirement home. “In a photo by his bedside, he looked immaculate, wearing a sharp suit and appearing handsome and neat, ” Suwan said. “However, the reality was quite different, with his hair and eyebrows covering his eyes and ears. He mentioned that he shaved only twice a week. I obtained his permission to tidy up his hair. When he saw his improved appearance in the mirror, he expressed his gratitude, saying I had made him happy and lifted his spirits. It was a rewarding day, thanks to him.” When asked about other positives related to her CAREGiver position, Suwan said job fulfillment comes in additional forms. “I feel there is significant potential for growth in the Home Instead organization due to smooth internal communication among staff and a commitment to comprehensive training support for CAREGivers, ” she said.

It’s an Inspiring Job: Clients’ Smiles Brighten Onesa’s Day
Some special people can create sunshine even on a cloudy day for Home Instead® CAREGiver of the Month Onesa, who describes her clients’ smiles as her “happy pill.”
“The best part of my job are my clients. It is fun to meet them,
and I am always excited to hear their stories. My clients have
inspired me to continue helping others because helping others is my passion. I am very grateful to share my time with them, and I feel good if I see them happy and comfortable,” Onesa said. One of Onesa’s favourite clients reminds Onesa of her father. “Every time I see Mr. D., his face lights up. When I first met him, we had an instant connection. For instance, we both love watching baseball games. He shares stories about his family and his adventures that occurred when he was travelling the world,” Onesa said. “Mr. D. always remembers to remind me to drive safely, and he is always looking forward to seeing me. I have met his two sons, a daughter-in-law and a granddaughter. They thank me for taking care of their father. I have so much respect for all of my clients because they are a blessing to me.” Onesa’s journey to the award-winning Home Instead® of Newmarket franchise is an unusual one that reveals her deep and unique God-given compassion and empathy. Onesa previously served as a live-in nanny for the past six years from 2017 to 2023. Her female employer suddenly passed away as a result of lung cancer in December 2017. “Because of that situation, I chose to stay with the family to take care of her three beautiful children. While working during that period of time, I took the Personal Support Worker course and graduated in 2019. After six years of dedicating my time and effort to take care of the family, I decided to move forward and change my career. I finished my contract on June 29, 2023, and moved to Newmarket to look for a new job,” Onesa explained.
Working with Home Instead is a privilege because I feel respected and supported. The Home Instead staff is accommodating and friendly. To Home Instead, thank you for your appreciation. God bless you!” Nearly two months to the day after Onesa was hired, Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Jennifer Joseph announced that Onesa had been honoured as the franchise’s CAREGiver of the Month. Among the considerations for achieving CAREGiver of the Month status, an employee has shown she has gone above and beyond the call of duty, Jennifer pointed out. Empathy and compassion are taken into account for the award, as well as skill and wisdom for dealing with challenging situations. Onesa embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.” While Onesa 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. “Home Instead gave me the opportunity to apply my knowledge, practice my skills and develop myself. I have learned to discover my inner strengths and my ability to adapt myself into different settings and situations. Last but not least, I gained more confidence in my driving skills,” Onesa said

CAREGiver of the Month Carolyn made a vow to her 83-year-old Home Instead® client.“I promised never to leave him. Mr. B. has touched my heart. He’s my ‘bestie.’ It’s a one-hour bus ride from my Richmond Hill home to his Newmarket home, so I leave at 6:45 a.m. to get there. I am never late,” said Carolyn, who has been assisting the client since January 2023 on behalf of the award-winning Home Instead franchise in Newmarket.

As the client’s only CAREGiver, Carolyn works with him from 8 a.m.to noon. The client, who lives with his daughter, son-in-law and two grandchildren, is in a wheelchair and needs a Hoyer lift for transfers. “I get the client up from bed and keep him going. He has something to look forward to when I get there. I help him shower and make breakfast for him. He is so funny and has a wonderful personality, and his whole family is great,” Carolyn said. In addition to her morning client, Carolyn works with a 92-year-old client on two weekday afternoons from 1:30 to 5.“She uses a walker, and she has an alert mind. I also enjoy being with her. I’ve been with her since the end of July,” Carolyn said.
Both clients were thrilled when Carolyn recently returned after a weeklong absence because of a medical condition. The clients greeted her with an enthusiastic “We missed you.” Carolyn said, "It made me feel bad to miss that time with them as a result of an unavoidable medical situation, but it made me feel great when they told me how much they missed me.”
Carolyn joined Home Instead in June 2022. “I was looking for a Personal Support Worker job closer to home. I previously had worked at a PSW job for another agency and was away from home for two weeks at a time. I’ve been a PSW since 2019. I had worked as a professional caregiver for a couple of years before becoming a PSW, and I went back to school to become a PSW,” Carolyn explained. “At Home Instead, I love my manager, Tim. I have had a second job for the past seven years that is seasonal and not related at all to senior care. That seasonal job obviously gives me other work options, but I like working for Home Instead. It’s not about the money, it’s about the people.” Carolyn loves her job simply because she loves seniors. “I always have gotten along with older people. I don’t write them off as insignificant. I don’t like to see them left out of life. They are still people. I want the best for them. I want to make them happy. I want to make them feel alive. My clients respect me and appreciate me. It works both ways,” Carolyn said. Carolyn “walks a fine line” as a family caregiver for her parents, who are both 78. She said: “I am trying to help Dad, who has dementia. By helping Dad, I also am helping Mom, but we are working on getting someone else to help with Dad. In our family dynamic, it’s better to have a non-family member help take care of him. This is not an uncommon situation, and that’s why many Home Instead CAREGivers are called upon. It just works out better.

              Whether they are young or old, Hila always has been helping someone.

“I took care of my grandmother for a few years. She was an
artist who was kind, generous and wise, and she always wanted to learn new things. Just as I was, my mother was a teacher, and we arranged my grandmother’s care whenever one of us was free.” Hila said. “During the period I took care of my grandmother, I learned a lot about the needs and challenges she had. That experience taught me many valuable lessons, such as being patient and being a good listener. Last but not least, helping my grandmother taught
me about being a good emotional supporter. I believe that
experience helped me mightily to become a successful CAREGiver today. I probably wouldn’t be here if it was not for
that unforgettable experience.” Hila started her CAREGiver position at Home Instead of Newmarket in June 2023. One month later, Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Jennifer Joseph announced Hila had been honoured as CAREGiver of the Month at the franchise owned by co-owners Brenda Enright and Greg Bechard. What had preceded Hila’s amazing fast start in professional senior
care was astounding – except to those who have known her
huge, compassionate heart.
Hila was a mathematics teacher in her homeland of Iran. After
11 years of teaching, she became the primary school principal and worked at that position for almost 14 years. “During this period,” Hila explained, “I noticed I enjoyed helping my students grow personally and professionally. I also always connected with their parents, understood the needs of their children and helped them with any challenges they may have had when growing up on that age.”
Hila retired after 25 years in the education field and wanted
to continue the same path but in a different style. “I always have been a ‘supporting’ character. All of my friends and family members were coming to me when they had any issues or challenges. As a result, I decided to continue working in a career that related to supporting people. What’s better than supporting people who need it the most. Therefore, I decided to become a Personal Support Worker. I was a caregiver in my home country for about two years and really enjoyed my time during that period. Switching jobs to support the elderly, instead of children, gave me a wisdom that led to joy for me,” Hila said. After having moved to the Toronto area, Hila went to Anderson College to study in the Personal Support Worker program. "During that period,” Hila said, “I had heard many good things about working at Home Instead from my classmates and our professors. Also, when I was doing my internship at Revera the Claremont, a care community, I heard about the advantages of working at Home Instead and always wanted to join them since I was a student in this field. “Finally, I applied for the job at Home Instead when I graduated from college and received a phone call interview, followed by the job offer. I am grateful now to be a part of Home Instead family!”

For the second straight year, Veera has been honoured as the June CAREGiver of the Month at Home Instead^® of Newmarket, Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Jennifer Joseph announced. Veera first earned the franchise’s highest employee accolade seven months after joining the award-winning franchise in December 2021.

Jennifer noted Veera has lived Home Instead’s guiding principles of “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart” during her 18 months of service. Empathy and compassion are taken into account as criteria for the CAREGiver of the Month award, as well as skill and wisdom for dealing with challenging situations.

Veera loves being a part of the CAREGiver team for the Toronto-area franchise, a member of the highly successful Honor and Home Instead network. Honor is the world’s largest home care network with the most advanced care platform, revolutionizing how society cares for older adults, their families and CAREGivers. Honor acquired Home Instead in 2021, and the combined company supports the work of more than 100,000 CAREGivers across 13 countries and meets the growing needs of millions of older adults and their families worldwide.

Claudia Successfully Puts Her Own Client Care Plans in Action

For a dementia client, Home Instead® CAREGiver of the Month Claudia devises a care plan three times a week that includes a different activity paired with a familiar routine. “Before I arrive, I think of a plan to incorporate with my client. One day it will be baking a cake or muffins. On another day, I introduced the craft of painting, for example, on eggs for Easter. On each of the days, we go for a walk,” Claudia explained.

“This lovely lady has moments of complete frustration because of what she is going through. I am happy to be there for her and support her and her husband during the difficult times. When I decided to think of ideas to lessen her frustration and agitation, I asked her husband what she used to like to do. He said it was baking and gardening, and going for walks,” Claudia said. 

Armed with that knowledge, Claudia's plans are winners. Claudia also provides companionship and empathy, care elements that are far more important than most people would guess.

“Many times, she just needs to talk about how she is feeling. This aging process is not only difficult for my client, but it also is a very difficult time for her husband, the primary caregiver. Therefore, while I am there, he may also need to get things off his chest. Plus, it is a time for him to go out and run errands or just simply see his family and take a break.” 

There is an irony in Claudia's compassionate assistance for this client, a “pay-it-forward” sort of karma for the client. “One interesting story my client shared was that she worked at the Cummer Lodge Nursing Home as a hairdresser. She was happy to make the residents feel beautiful. She not only would do their hair, but she would bring makeup to do up their faces. The residents felt so important and valued. My client said that was her best job in terms gratification and fulfillment,” Claudia said.

That's how Claudia feels about her job. She joined Home Instead of Newmarket about 10 weeks ago and has enjoyed a professional caregiving career for 10 years. To build a strong foundation of senior-care expertise, Claudia attended George Brown College two nights a week. “It took about two years to finish and become a Personal Support Worker (PSW). George Brown is a very good college for the various subjects that go into being a great PSW,” Claudia said.

Claudia first landed a job with We Care before moving to Preferred Home Health Care. Then family caregiving entered Claudia's life. “I had to take a break for about two years after my mother suffered a stroke. She could no longer live alone. Therefore, thank God for my PSW skills. I cared for her for almost two years. As it became abundantly harder, she then went to a nursing home,” Claudia recalled. 

“I took a break for about a year from professional caregiving. I was involved more with my grandson, but now that he is in full-time school, I am needed less. I thought, ‘Now is the time to get back into what I love doing.' ”

Claudia thought about applying with Home Instead because she has a friend who worked for the company in Toronto's High Park area. “My friend was very happy with Home Instead's organized approach and how they made their CAREGivers feel so valued. Therefore, I decided to apply, and I'm happy I did. What I love most is how organized Home Instead is and how well everyone works together from management on down. I also noticed how the administrative and management staff makes us feel very valued,” she said. 

Claudia added: “For example, for a CAREGiver's service anniversary, Home Instead puts the honoree's picture in its newsletter, hosts a great lunch at the staff meeting and delivers flowers to the CAREGiver. Above all, Home Instead strongly encourages our attendance at meetings and respectfully makes sure we remain up to par on our training. That makes me feel as if I am definitely part of a team. With all this, I am quite thankful that Home Instead has hired me to do what I love. Overall, I think caregiving is a great job. Companies such Home Instead help families feel as if they are not alone. That is a blessing.”

Matilda Hit the Ground Running as a CAREGiver

Just 24 hours after Valentine’s Day had passed in Feb. 15, Matilda joined Home Instead® of Newmarket and quickly began to win the hearts of her clients. Three weeks later, Matilda was selected as the award-winning franchise’s CAREGiver of the Month. “I was surprised by the honour. When Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Jennifer Joseph told me, I said, ‘Whoa … !’ I work at a retirement home and rotate among many clients. The range of care runs from independent to assisted to skilled. I work with all kinds of clients,” Matilda said.

Credit Matilda’s grandmother for preparing her for nearly every medical challenge possible in their homeland of Ghana before Matilda earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in 2020. “My grandmother had some nursing skills, a lot of practical knowledge and an immense amount of wisdom as she provided care in our community. I was helping her during my ages of 18 and 19. I went with her as she provided care to individuals and at makeshift clinics in churches and sometimes at a hospital. Sometimes she served in the ER,” Matilda said.

“Other times, my grandmother did blood-pressure checks and educated our people on what foods to avoid to become as healthy as possible. After accompanying her, there was nothing that I later faced that was new to me. She sleeps now (has passed away). I have good memories of my grandmother.”

In Ghana, Matilda had opportunities for experience as a registered nurse for more than a year and a half after earning her BSN. “I worked in medical wards and clinics. During my nursing work in Ghana, I took care of all ages and saw all kinds of conditions. I am focused on getting certified in Canada as an RN, but that will come later. I need the Canadian caregiving experience first,” Matilda explained.  

She came to Canada by herself in December 2022 and handled everything on her own. “A friend, who is a CAREGiver who joined the company in January, introduced me to Home Instead. I sent my resume to Jennifer Joseph,” Matilda said. “I like Canada. There are a lot of opportunities if you desire to take advantage of them. I love nursing. It is a great privilege. You need a range of skills. You must have a heart for companionship. Among the things I do for the clients, I feed them, bathe them and help with physical-therapy type of exercises.”

Among the considerations for achieving CAREGiver of the Month status, an employee has shown she has gone above and beyond the call of duty, Jennifer pointed out. Empathy and compassion are taken into account for the award, as well as skill and wisdom for dealing with challenging situations. Matilda embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of  “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.” She is someone who is exceptional at her work with any client, Jennifer emphasized.

Less than a month after Florence joined Home Instead® of Newmarket, she was honoured as CAREGiver of the Month at the award-winning franchise.

Perhaps Florence’s clients could feel immediately her empathy and enjoy her companionship when she showed up to assist them. Those are two of the characteristics that are evaluated when a CAREGiver is considered for the employee of the month award. Of course, there are others. Has the CAREGiver gone above and beyond the call of duty? Does the CAREGiver possess the skills and wisdom to be highly successful? Is the CAREGiver exceptional at her work with any client?

Finally, does the CAREGiver focus on Home Instead’s training, processes and procedures of successful caregiving? In other words, does the CAREGiver work at getting better? For Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Jennifer, the answers were yes. When Jennifer announced Florence had been honored, Jennifer said Florence displays Home Instead’s guiding principles of “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.”

Florence explained her journey to Home Instead: “I heard about Home Instead from a friend with whom I have always discussed my passion and desire to work and care for persons in care homes because of my nursing background.

The compassionate Florence “hit the ground running” with Home Instead partly because of her education and experience. “I have a diploma in Community Health Nursing with more than five years’ working experience,” Florence said. “I have no family-caregiving experience, such as taking care of a grandparent, but my experience in my nursing field, in which I care for seniors, has come in handy.”

Congratulations to Karlene for being the caregiver for the month of Newmarket. Karlene is a sensitive, passionate, and giving person who loves to try new experiences. Karlene has been with the company since June 2021; she previously lived in New York and Florida, working as a caregiver; while aboard, she took care of her grandmother and worked in the administration department. She has always demonstrated consistency by being on time and adhering to the care plan since joining Home Instead! It comes as no surprise that she receives praise from her clients and our service coordinator, who are blown away by her work ethic. We want to thank you for being a rockstar; we hit the jackpot when you joined Home Instead!

Lynn, we appreciate your commitment to Home Instead and your many years of service. The quality of our interactions with our clients has improved as a result of your courtesy and positive attitude. Furthermore, you epitomise the core values of Home Instead by being patient, professional, and helpful. We appreciate you putting your diverse talents to use for us! We anticipate your future achievements as well.

From the depths of her sorrow, Gail decided to make a major change in 2013 when her husband succumbed to cancer. Gail recalled, "I had just become a widow after losing my darling husband. I figured it was time to do something I have always wanted to do – work in professional senior care. I love talking with seniors. In terms of my family, the timing was right because my two children, a son and a daughter, were young adults."
Enter Home Instead® of Ottawa in 2014, and later, Home Instead of Newmarket in 2020. "I found Home Instead online. I said to myself, ‘I can and want to do this,' " said Gail, who had worked at an Ottawa health-food store for 14 years before joining Home Instead. " Fast forward to 2022, Gail continues her passion for caring with Home Instead  in Newmarket providing amazing care to seniors in their home.
Gail felt comfortable as a professional caregiver because she had been a family caregiver and even a hospital volunteer as a young girl. "As far as a caregiving background goes, well, I'm a mom of two, so I would say that's where my 24/7 intensive caregiving began," Gail said.
"When I was 11 or 12, I was a candy striper at the Kemptville Hospital in Kemptville, Ontario, I did basic personal care such as wash face and hands, comb hair, make beds, disinfect beds and room furniture, take patients to TV room and deliver snacks."
In addition to helping her late husband, Gail stepped in when another family member was in dire need. "I helped my sister-in-law after her husband passed away. She was crippled, so I helped".

Karlene sometimes can close her eyes tightly and see her grandmother’s face. Karlene was a family caregiver for her grandmother before she joined Home Instead "My grandmother was diabetic. I helped with her activities of daily living, including mobility assists, transfers, meal preparation and feeding, medication reminders and other needs. At times I would help her administer her insulin, and I would read to her and take her for short walks. We sometimes would work on her range of motion when necessary," Karlene recalled.

"My goal is to assist someone who is in need of care, which enables them to enjoy life to the fullest and live as independently as possible. I am an attentive listener and show professionalism in personal care, such as grooming and incontinence care and hygiene while also providing privacy. Going to work with my client makes me excited. I want to go and give care to her," said Karlene, who found out about Home Instead on the internet. In addition to her strong companionship skills and the Home Instead responsibilities she outlined, Karlene also provides safety assurance, light housekeeping, and transportation and errands. Awards are fine, Karlene humbly explained, but she said she likes being a CAREGiver because she loves to see people happy. She feels that is her primary reward.

"I take pride in giving my utmost attention to someone in need of care. I feel enthusiastic when I care for someone, and I make them feel loved. I want the clients to know that my fellow CAREGivers and I care about whatever circumstances in which the clients find themselves. Giving the clients my utmost attention and being patient while tending to their needs and caring for them keeps me active," Karlene said. "The recurring theme of my favourite stories with Home Instead clients is helping my clients in whatever way possible to put smiles on their faces and knowing they are happy when I leave a shift," Karlene added.