CAREGiver Story - Lorraine Woods

Lorraine Woods had always worked in different positions. However, over two years ago she decided that working with the community – especially with the elderly – was her next step. This is how she came to join Home Instead in December 2015 as a CAREGiver.

When she applied, Lorraine expected to find a caring role and a professional company. She wanted a role that "would offer the elderly some sunshine in their lives, would make people smile," she says. They are glad to say that their service has met her expectations. Not only is she very pleased by her rewarding and fulfilling role as CAREGiver, but she is also highly satisfied with a company whose workers are able to combine professionalism with care. For her, one of the best parts of working at Home Instead is having "caring people in the office" who would help in any situation.

Although it is extremely gratifying, being a CAREGiver is also very challenging, and there are some skills they have to develop to successfully accomplish their job. Lorraine claims that patience is one of the most important factors in her role, as dealing with people who suffer from dementia is very demanding and "repetitive." It is then important, for her, "to be able to detract from that and bring happiness into their lives." To interact with them and to stimulate their minds are important goals to have in mind when dealing with our clients.

Responsibility and awareness are other factors Lorraine considers indispensable as a CAREGiver. "Make sure you know who they are, if they’re eating, what they’re eating, how their houses are," she adds, highlighting how crucial it is to actively engage with our clients’ daily routines.

It is always a pleasure to share CAREGivers’ stories, as their feedback always helps Home Instead to improve and develop their services. However, their goal remains the same, and they are glad to have people like Lorraine who work with them towards it: to bring happiness to their clients’ lives.

click here for more details or to contact Home Instead (Windsor, Runnymede & West Spelthorne)