Care Pro Debra’s Empathy Comes From Painful Experience
Many seniors are understandably overwhelmed with their physical challenges. Home Instead® Care Professional of the Month Debra Wilson feels their pain. She explained: “I have a high level of empathy because I was there, where many of them are with mobility issues. I came close to losing my legs in a car accident in which my pelvis was fractured in six places. I relearned how to walk. I never did get full muscle function, but I’ve learned to deal with it.”
After Debra was released from the hospital, she and her 7-year-old daughter went to live with Debra’s parents. She added: “When you think about seniors who have challenges with mobility, that was me in my 20s. Having to use a walker? I’ve done that. Just to get out of the hospital, I needed to move 100 feet on my own with a walker.”
Family caregiving roles have been reversed for Debra and her daughter. “I am taking care of my parents, who still live in their own home. My daughter had been the main person who has been helping, but now I am giving her a break. With Home Instead, my work location isn’t far from my parents’ home, and that is by design,” Debra pointed out. “My mother recently went on hospice. Home Instead has been concerned about my family caregiving needs and is flexible with me. Home Instead works with me to find extra hours or if I need a day off.”
When Debra joined owner Bert Copple’s Home Instead franchise in Clawson, Michigan, in February 2023, it was like a breath of fresh air. Before coming aboard with Home Instead, Debra had worked as an office administrator at another company. It was not a satisfying job, and she decided to try something else. Debra went online, and Home Instead was the first employer she saw.
“I went through Home Instead’s hiring process that was quick and efficient. All the way around, I am happy with Home Instead. It’s a good place to work. If I have an issue, I go and rectify it,” Debra said. “I have learned a lot of things about senior care with Home Instead. For instance, I learned how to give a shower, and I have used that technique with my mother.”
Debra has been with her regular client since starting with Home Instead about 15 months ago. Her client is in her 70s, has multiple sclerosis and is bed-bound. Her husband is still working, and he is his wife’s primary caregiver when Debra is not there. “She doesn’t talk a lot, but I understand her and what she needs. She says, ‘I love you’ occasionally, especially if I carry out a challenging task with her,” Debra explained.
“It took a while to build trust. We are a good match, and it is a good relationship. We are strong-willed women. We interact as we watch a couple of TV shows, including ‘Let’s Make a Deal’ and ‘The Price Is Right.’ I point out people on the shows that are wearing interesting clothing and find other ways to make conversation.”
Debra added: “I know when she is hurting or sad. Of course, I am always sympathetic and do what I can to help. I always try to stay positive in my interaction with her. We talk about fun things. There’s a TV show that features a zoo. I talk to her about the animals. Her husband is a good guy, and I have a good rapport with him.”
Debra stated her client has a wound-care nurse who checks and treats her. “The nurse told me to provide her with plenty of protein in her meals to promote healing. So, that is exactly what I’ve done. It makes me feel good to know I am helping her in this way,” Debra said.
For Debra and her fellow Care Pros, touching lives impacts their souls, whether they are providing physical help such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders or personal care or if they are offering emotional support in a companionship role. “I like this job because it is better for me,” Debra said. “It is not the same kind of stress that I was facing every day in the business world. This is more fulfilling. I don’t plan on looking for another job.”
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (248) 203-2273 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
