Linda ‘Unretires’ to Make a Difference With Seniors
Linda Hodges, who spent 25 years as a Licensed Physical Therapy Assistant, had enjoyed retirement for a number of years but was feeling the need to do something with a purpose. Linda explained: “I still wanted to make a difference, even if it was just a little difference.”
In May 2023, she joined the award-winning Home Instead® franchise in Mount Airy, North Carolina. Little more than two months later, Linda herself was an award winner, having been honored as the July Care Professional of the Month. Among the considerations for achieving Care Pro of the Month status, an employee has shown he or 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. Linda embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.”
Home Instead Staff Coordinator Sharon Bledsoe said: “Linda had been retired but wanted to help. Boy, has she ever! Linda has traveled longer distances, filled in during Care Pros’ vacations and in general has been an awesome help in many other ways. Linda has a way of making you feel good, and she possesses a sweet, caring voice. She is just a fantastic lady.”
Linda had become acquainted with Home Instead a couple of years ago when she and her husband were looking for assistance for her mother-in-law in order for her to remain in her home. “We had a very good experience with Home Instead and were provided with a wonderful Care Pro who not only greatly improved the quality of our mom’s life, but also helped us to be able to do our part with our own family caregiving. No doubt, that experience influenced my decision to work for Home Instead later,” Linda said.
During her physical therapy career, Linda worked in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, a rehab center and a sports clinic. She emphasized: “My heart was always drawn toward geriatrics.”
Furthermore, Linda observed: “What I’ve learned is, it’s the little things that make a big difference! A smile, encouragement, sharing positive energy, listening, a little extra TLC – those are the things that make a difference. The best part of my Care Professional job is the feeling I get from knowing I am making someone’s life a bit better, likely at a time when life has become more difficult for them.”
Linda also added: “Older people are wiser, more appreciative and have been around long enough to figure out what’s really important, which makes them a joy to be around.”
Seniors also almost always have a caring, empathetic heart. In that vein, Linda shared a gem of an unforgettable client episode: “A story that comes to mind is one in which I arrived at my client’s home with a black eye and puffy cheek that I had sustained in a freaky fall. This 90-something sweet lady took one look at me and said, ‘Honey, I think I need to take care of you today!’ And she would have, if I had allowed her to do so.”
