When asked from a community member, “Who’s that CAREGiver with the bag of Fun?” Christy smiled and responded, “That’s Penny! Penny thinks about her clients and what activities she can bring not only to engage with her clients but to brighten their day. Penny said, "Loving people is not a checklist. I do not provide client care with any expectation of praise or recognition. My only objective with my clients is to make their day a little easier, boost their self-esteem, find their needs, and fulfill those needs. It’s always good for everyone to have a purpose in their day.”
Penny added: "If you take time to get to know your clients, their story, and hobbies, your clients will bond with you and it’s easy to come up with activities that put a smile on their face. They become your family, and you become theirs. In the end I hope I was able to put a little sunshine in their day.”
"One of my client has dementia. We go for drives and reminisce; it is a great way to get out and about without exposing him to large crowds. I really enjoy coming up with activities to help stimulate my client’s mental awareness. We play dice, sort decks of cards by suites, listen to gospel music, sometimes I just sit by him and read stories. My favorite part of the day is when he lights up and remembers something from his past and shares it with me.”
For another client, Penny served as a problem-solver for important aspects of his personal care. Penny was able to get the client into the shower safely who has mobility limitations. A shower chair had been ordered online once we started caring for him, seeing the need for added safety. The client had not been impressed by the idea of the chair, but Penny taught him how to transfer safely and encouraged him to sit while showering. “I work on cleaning his back and feet while he washes himself independently with more privacy. The thrill and excitement he showed and gratitude he expressed makes me want to find more and more ways to improve his quality of life," Penny explained.
Among Penny’s 2021 goals is earning her home bound cosmetology license. "I will be able to not only help Home Instead’s clients but all those who are unable to leave during this pandemic.” Never underestimate the power of a good haircut and style. She is a master Cosmetologist and with this new license (which will be completed very soon!) will allow her to work with individuals who are unable to make it to the hair salon for whatever reason.
“Caring, compassionate, and loving” are the three words Penny used to describe Home Instead, but we think they describe Penny just as much! She added “I have a passion for helping people and I love working with the elderly and that is what this job is all about.”
Penny added: "If you take time to get to know your clients, their story, and hobbies, your clients will bond with you and it’s easy to come up with activities that put a smile on their face. They become your family, and you become theirs. In the end I hope I was able to put a little sunshine in their day.”
"One of my client has dementia. We go for drives and reminisce; it is a great way to get out and about without exposing him to large crowds. I really enjoy coming up with activities to help stimulate my client’s mental awareness. We play dice, sort decks of cards by suites, listen to gospel music, sometimes I just sit by him and read stories. My favorite part of the day is when he lights up and remembers something from his past and shares it with me.”
For another client, Penny served as a problem-solver for important aspects of his personal care. Penny was able to get the client into the shower safely who has mobility limitations. A shower chair had been ordered online once we started caring for him, seeing the need for added safety. The client had not been impressed by the idea of the chair, but Penny taught him how to transfer safely and encouraged him to sit while showering. “I work on cleaning his back and feet while he washes himself independently with more privacy. The thrill and excitement he showed and gratitude he expressed makes me want to find more and more ways to improve his quality of life," Penny explained.
Among Penny’s 2021 goals is earning her home bound cosmetology license. "I will be able to not only help Home Instead’s clients but all those who are unable to leave during this pandemic.” Never underestimate the power of a good haircut and style. She is a master Cosmetologist and with this new license (which will be completed very soon!) will allow her to work with individuals who are unable to make it to the hair salon for whatever reason.
“Caring, compassionate, and loving” are the three words Penny used to describe Home Instead, but we think they describe Penny just as much! She added “I have a passion for helping people and I love working with the elderly and that is what this job is all about.”
