Shannon S. was born with a caregiving heart and has always thought of others' needs and what she can do for them. Shannon is from Billings, Montana where she had several jobs, including working in an emergency group foster home and social working. She moved to North Dakota about 7 years ago and today she continues her care for others working as a CAREGiver for Home Instead and delivers meals for the local Meals on Wheels program. Her skills don’t end at caring for people, she also has a green thumb and utilizes her talents at the High Plains Concepts greenhouse in Beulah.
When asked why she was drawn to work as a CAREGiver, Shannon said “I just really want to help people. I’ve always had the mindset of thinking of others first, and if there is something I can do to make their day or a task easier for them I try to always take care of them.” Shannon has been a great asset to our team with her positive energy and willingness to jump in where she can. Building relationships with her clients is her number one priority. She added “Once you have built a relationship with your client you know what works best for them and how to provide the right care and get the best results. That is what it is all about. Caring for the client and making their day a little better wherever I can.”
Shannon was recently scheduled to care for a new client that she had not met before. She said “When I got there, she seemed a bit shy and timid because she didn’t know who I was. I just kind of sat with her and made some small talk until we were acquainted with each other. I knew she had dementia and realized while talking with her she had a very short attention span, so at first, I wasn’t sure what to do to keep her engaged. I took my phone out and googled some funny stories to read out loud, and that was a hit! They were short stories so she could easily follow along and we laughed for quite a while at a few of them.” Shannon always makes sure that her clients are enjoying themselves while she is there by finding what interests them.
Another one of her clients with dementia really enjoys going for a drive but always asks her why he can’t be the driver. She said, “You could see it in his face he was bummed that I had to be the driver.” After a few times working with this client, Shannon found the trick! “As soon as I say the words ‘are you ready to zip to zap?!’ his face lights up and he is automatically in such a great mood. We have found a way to ‘zip to zap’ in every possible direction, even back roads! He absolutely adores it and I love the fact he is able to have these moments.”
When Shannon does have free time, from her 3 jobs, she loves to garden, work on her hobby farm, and enjoy nature while camping, hiking, biking, or climbing. She is always up to something and always staying active! “You need to keep active, I’m busy and moving from the time I wake up. It’s not only good for your physical health, but mentally and emotionally. Which allows me to continue caring for others and doing as much as I can for them.” said Shannon.
“Exceptional personal care” is what comes to mind when Shannon thinks of Home Instead, and that is exactly her way of caring too. She always goes above and beyond for any of her clients and will do whatever she can for them. Her heart of gold shines every day and any person that crosses her path in need will feel her love to care.
