Care Professional of the Month Kathy Timmons always has had a heart for helping people, especially those who are society’s most vulnerable.
Nearly 40 years ago – in the mid-1980s – Kathy worked for her mother, who ran a home healthcare agency in Wichita Falls, Texas. Then, for 10 years, Kathy worked with special-needs students as a school district employee. She also has worked in other home healthcare roles with both the elderly and young. Kathy joined Home Instead® of Collin County in 2015 and has been a highly sought Care Pro ever since.
The question was posed to Kathy: Why did you choose your career path, knowing it had its various daily challenges? Kathy replied with a six-word sentence: “God lets me do this work.”
When she was asked to elaborate, Kathy said: “God has allowed me to feel and understand aspects of care because I’ve been through some of the same physical challenges my clients have faced. Therefore, I have deep empathy for what seniors face. Yes, I am faith-based, but it’s not something I impose on others. It is how I am driven personally to help. I particularly draw strength from Psalms 91 (verse two: ‘I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” ’).You’ve got to love what you do, and I do feel the spiritual side of things, which allows me to serve with patience and forbearance when it is needed.”
Some clients have asked Kathy to pray with them or for them. Kathy recalled a particularly touching moment with a hospice client during her final days.
“I was with her on a Friday and didn’t know what the weekend would bring, but I returned on a Monday. She passed away two days later, on a Wednesday. At one point, the client was scared. Two daughters were there with us. I told my client, ‘We’re with you. God is with you. You’ll be fine.’ Two members of the clergy arrived to pray with us. We kept it going. I prayed a lot before she left us,” Kathy said, recalling the moment as if it were yesterday.
Kathy remained strong for the client and her family, but she admitted: “I don’t ‘do’ death well. When I lost my father, it seemed like half of me was gone, creating such a void. Even though his death was 32 years ago, it affects me to this day.” Kathy also said, “I have had many clients who were like family to me. The clients’ families included me as part of their memorial services for their senior loved ones. During those moments, I thank God for that person, the client I served. I also keep their family in prayer.”
Her mother alerted Kathy to Home Instead nine years ago. “My mother still lives in Wichita Falls. One of her neighbors had Home Instead for assistance,” Kathy explained. “My Home Instead experience of nine years has been good. Everyone with whom I work is good. I love my clients. It’s tough to lose them because you want to keep loving on them as long as you possibly can. I’ve had a lot of good clients who are wonderful people.”
Among her clients, Kathy has an 86-year-old woman with late-stage Alzheimer’s. “She’s a sweetheart. When I first met her, she was angry. We now have more good days than bad ones. She recognizes my voice and face, and she is used to me,” Kathy said. “Dementia clients often lose their appetites as the disease progresses, but she eats well for me. Her son, who is present and works from home, is happy I can get her to eat,” Kathy said.
Kathy had general thoughts about dementia care, which can be challenging:
- “There can be lots of sleeping, and short-term memory impairment is common. That having been said, one lady never forgot me.”
- “Behavior can be ‘all over the board.’ A former client didn’t want us there all the time, but she dealt with the fact we were there to keep her safe.”
- “Medication reminders are important.”
- ”Seniors can become afraid. You have to earn their trust and reassure them.”
- “Sundowner syndrome is a real thing. During winter’s late afternoons, when the shadows appear, fear strikes. Their whole world changes.”
- “It’s a blessing to get them to eat and drink. At first, I get all kinds of food in front of them and see what they like.”
- “There are specific things for which to keep an eye out. A UTI (urinary tract infection) is horrible; there is confusion and disorientation. For pneumonia, you listen for the rattle in their lungs. They can’t always tell you they are feeling ill.”
Referring to her career journey, Kathy said: “I will keep going as long as I can. As long as I am strong and good at what I do, I plan to serve. I love all of my people.” Home Instead Care Pro Advocate Amanda Ross said Kathy is a valuable team member. “Kathy has had many different experiences with different clients. She is very attentive and engaging with her clients. She always wants to please them and learn how they want things done,” Amanda said.
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (972) 744-9898 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
