While Caregiver of the Month Kevin Jimenez has made an impact on his clients during his six-plus months with Home Instead® of Winchester, you could say the reverse is also true.
“What I find most enjoyable about being a Caregiver is all the clients’ reminiscing – listening to the stories about the seniors’ life experiences. I’ve heard from military veterans, horseback riders, farmers and others. The clients’ back stories are slices of history I never thought I’d have the pleasure of absorbing,” said Kevin, an award-winning Caregiver on an award-winning franchise that serves the Northern Shenandoah Valley.
“Every client I’ve had has a unique way of putting the world into perspective through his or her words. One in particular somehow creates a different story whenever I get to see him. Although the stories never stay the same, he never fails to make me laugh. I hope to provide the same experience to anyone else I have the opportunity to assist.”
Kevin was a family caregiver before he had joined Home Instead. “You could say I got started in this line of work by taking care of my grandmother whenever she needed me, whether it was walking with her or running to the market for those weekend deals,” he said.
“In my 24 years of life, I can say I love making an impact on as many individuals as I can, in the way I know best. Compassion and kindness are my strongest attributes. I am proud to be a Caregiver with Home Instead. Thank you, Home Instead, for all of the experiences I’ve gained and all the new ones I plan to gain in the future.”
Among the considerations for achieving Caregiver of the Month status, an employee has shown he 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. Kevin embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.” He is someone who is exceptional at his work with any client.
So, it goes without saying that staff members at owner Keith Clay’s franchise have been impressed with Kevin’s work. General Manager Allyson Starling announced Kevin’s Caregiver of the Month award. Scheduling Coordinator Lydia Bui said: “Kevin works seven days a week, taking any hours we ask him to work. Kevin will go to nearly any client. He has dived into additional training, including classes for hospice care and Hoyer lift usage.”
For Kevin and his fellow Caregivers, touching lives impacts their souls, whether they are providing physical help such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders or personal care or if they are offering emotional support in a companionship role. They epitomize Home Instead’s longtime axiom: “To us, it’s personal.”
All Home Instead Caregivers are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please apply online. For further information about Home Instead services, visit our website.
