Patricia Fredriksen 2008 Northeast Regional CAREGiver of the Year
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When you ask Patricia Fredriksen about her years of service with Home Instead Senior Care, she speaks of how long she's "been with Pete." Fredriksen has worked for Franchise Owner Pete Paolillo from the Northeast Region's Norwalk, Connecticut, office for nine memorable years. When Fredriksen learned she was nominated for CAREGiver of the Year and then named the Northeast Regional CAREGiver of the Year, she was speechless.
Fredriksen is one of the first employees to work at Paolillo's office. She was hired, trained and oriented by him and she was the CAREGiver he called upon when faced with any challenging clients. Today, one of Fredriksen's clients is enthusiastic on her talents saying, "She is a saint. I don't know what I would do without her. Pat just knows what to do and how to do it."
Fredriksen sums up her caring approach simply and modestly saying, "You have to have patience, and you have to be considerate. It's sometimes the first time that people have had care. A lot of people depend on you. They trust you. They rely on you and believe you're there to help them."
Through the years, several clients have been fortunate enough to have Fredriksen as their CAREGiver. One gentleman relies on her more each year, telling his family, "Pat will take care of that."
Caregiving is part of Fredriksen's life. She gave up a 15-year career with the U.S. Postal Service to tend to her ill mother-in-law who developed Parkinson's disease and dementia. "I didn't realize caregiving is what you would describe it as," she said. "She was my teacher. She taught me different things to do for people who are losing their memories."
After her mother-in-law's doctor suggested that she move into a skilled nursing facility, Fredriksen sprang into the role of full-time caregiver. While caring for her mother-in-law, Fredriksen was also caring for her grandchildren. These experiences have allowed Fredriksen to pass on her wonderful qualities to her Home Instead Senior Care clients.
"We all love Pat and consider her one of the family," a client's family member said. "She goes above and beyond where Dad is concerned. For that matter, she treats us all like family. We can't tell you how much we appreciate what Pat does for our father."
When her daughter, Carol, was struggling with cancer, Fredriksen continued to serve her Home Instead Senior Care clients, never allowing challenges in her personal life to interfere with client care and professionalism. She met Carol's needs, with strength and courage, and continued to care for her until she lost her battle with cancer.
Fredriksen also responded to the needs of a brother and sister -- "Mr. and Ms. C." -- with tender-hearted attention. They lived together in their hometown of Norwalk and depended on CAREGiver Pat to prepare their favorite foods and handle all the household needs, such as grocery shopping and errands.
Pat went above and beyond the call of duty for that of a CAREGiver. She took a more personal approach to caregiving. This was apparent by the many birthday parties she organized for Mr. and Ms. C. These parties were not complete unless those being celebrated wore their hats, crowns and capes. Today, Ms. C. comments, "Now that my brother is gone, Pat is the only family I have. She is an absolute jewel. Make sure you tell everyone that."
Another client echoes those sentiments, "Pat and I get along great. She is very conscientious, thoughtful, reliable and extremely dependable. Most of all, what makes Pat special is her devotion to me. I cannot see anything anymore, and that sickens me. I trust Pat with my life."
Happy coincidences also have occurred throughout Fredriksen's years with the company. Jenny, a long time acquaintance of Fredriksen's, called Home Instead Senior Care in need of services. As luck would have it, the two were paired together. "It worked out very well, because she's very comfortable with me," Fredriksen said.
Fredriksen enjoys speaking about Home Instead Senior Care and making clients smile. "It's very rewarding. At the end of the day, there are not a lot of jobs you can say that about. It really gives you a purpose, which is why I've stayed with it. It just makes you feel good."
Fredriksen shies away from selecting any one client as most memorable. "They're all special in a different way," she said. "You become attached to them."