Nanette Peykani, HR Director/ Assistant Vice-President
In 2011 Nanette was a busy Chamber of Commerce Executive, wife and mother and learned her Grandparents were in failing health. It was quickly apparent she would become their primary caregiver, but knew absolutely nothing about senior care, hospice, etc… For one year she learned every day about senior needs through personal experience; the emotional, spiritual, and physical challenges, but most of all, the dignity and respect required to provide care to aging adults. There were days when she felt as though she was failing miserably and there were days when she felt grace. There was new language as well: “Assisted Living”, “Skilled Nursing”, “Home Care”. There were systems to learn: Medicare benefits, pharmacy coverage, filling prescriptions, managing multiple doctor’s appointments, the parameters of hospice care... And then there were physical challenges; how to help someone with mobility issues, how to help them with toileting or bathing, how to fold and unfold a wheelchair, how to not lose patience with a loved one with dementia. When raising children, she read books such as "What to Expect When You’re Expecting", but did not have a book about expectations when caring for Grandparents.
Nanette says she would not trade that time with them for the world though. "My Grandparents helped to raise me, and it was the greatest gift to be able to return care and support to them." Unfortunately, within a year they both passed away. As her daily routines returned to life before senior care, she realized that she had learned a lot and wanted to be able to share that information to help others. She now personally screens all Care Professionals for Home Instead Redlands, ensuring that they each possess the loving heart to provide care in our community and that they are knowledgeable about the many different aspects of person-centered care. "I knew if I ever had the opportunity to work within the senior care industry I would jump at the chance." Nanette recalls, "To be able to help families by providing them accurate information and qualified help would be very satisfying. To my joy, I was provided the opportunity to work in senior care. I go to work every day knowing I am helping others."