FEBRUARY 2018 BrightStar Care Employee of The Month - David Marott
Congratulations David!
“Dave always has a fresh perspective on things, even with the monotony and ritualistic schedule that my Dad has come to rely on. When Dave's on vacation, which he deservedly earns, his presence is greatly missed. After my Dad is gone, I know I'll not only grieve for his absence, but also the absence of Dave.”
“I couldn't imagine our lives without his continued help.”
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A CAREGIVER?
I started caregiving in 2009 and also became a CNA that same year.
WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO BECOME A CAREGIVER?
I was framing art work in Northern California, and one of my fellow employees also worked as a LVN. She thought I would do well in a caregiving capacity. About the same time, my partner’s mom was in hospice, and with the nurses help that came through, I surprised myself by stepping up to the plate and taking over once the nurses left after their visit.
WHAT ASPECT OF YOUR JOB ARE YOU MOST PASSIONATE ABOUT?
I enjoy learning, so finding ways to tighten up my routine keeps it fresh. The family I work for is awesome, they trust me and give me the freedom to care for their dad and make me comfortable in their home.
HOW ARE YOU MAKING MORE POSSIBLE FOR YOUR BRIGHTSTAR CLIENT?
On occasion, the family I work for need a schedule change, being flexible and working with them can make a positive difference.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER CAREGIVERS?
- Listen to your client and their family. Our work can become routine, but it is important to be attentive.
- Having been the main caregiver in a family hospice situation, I have come to realize that I am not only helping my client, but the caregiver in the family also really needs some time for themselves, and we are their relief.
- If you ever are feeling drained or burned out, please find someone to talk to. I know we caregivers can be rescuers and put ourselves last, but we need to take care of ourselves in order to be of help to others.
TELL US YOUR FAVORITE CAREGIVING MOMENT/STORY?
Sorry I don’t have a story about saving someone’s life, but how about this one. Once I became a CNA, I took a job at a nursing facility and started out in the Alzheimer unit. It was a lockdown situation there, but it was made very homey with a couple of cats that would roam the hall and visit the rooms. It was Halloween night and I was in a patient’s room straightening up, when their closet door opens on its own, or so I thought, as one of the cats came strolling out. I was quite shaken up then but laugh at it now.
HOW DO YOU RE-ENERGIZE?
Taking walks with my husband and our two dachshunds. I also go to the gym to clear out my head and bring up my heart rate. We have two vegetable plots at the community garden in Simi Valley where we grow a good amount of our organic produce. I rush through the usual chores and errands we all do so that I can be creative and compose electronic music. All of these activities and our work supports my spirit.
A FEW WORDS ABOUT DAVE FROM HIS CLIENT’S FAMILY:
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to tell you about how my family has come to rely on "our caretaker" Dave. He's always very prompt and always has a smile on his face and a greeting for everyone in the house, cat and dog included. Since my Dad's stroke in Dec. of 2013, he's become more reliant on the help of others, something that has never come easily to him. Dave is always there, viewing things through an empathetic lens, to assist my Dad. From the front house assistance with bathing, dressing and locomotion, to the back house chores of preparing meals, cleaning and straightening up. When I need to shift Dave's schedule, my Dad always notices Dave's absence, I assure him that "Dave will be back, I just have xyz today". Dave's presence allows me the ability to get out of the house for work, and his flexibility is appreciated when things with my kids and work "pop up".
Dave always has a fresh perspective on things, even with the monotony and ritualistic schedule that my Dad has come to rely on. When Dave's on vacation, which he deservedly earns, his presence is greatly missed. After my Dad is gone, I know I'll not only grieve for his absence, but also the absence of Dave.
He is a very caring and sweet man, and I couldn't imagine our lives without his continued help.
AND FROM THE BRIGHTSTAR OFFICE STAFF:
Dave is just one of the kindest, most genuine, humble and solid human beings one will ever meet. In his four years at BrightStar Care, there has never ever been any issue – everything is perfectly communicated and on time. He has impeccable manners and always wears a smile which comes from inside. As one can see from the family David has looked after for so long, he is everything one could want a caregiver to be and more. He knows how to live a happy life and bring happiness to those around him.
DAVE IS OUR SECOND CANDIDATE FOR CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR. ONE AMAZING CAREGIVER WILL BE SELECTED FROM EACH REGION TO BECOME A BRIGHTSTAR NATIONAL FINALIST…PLEASE SEE VIDEOS OF LAST YEAR’S FINALISTS IF YOU HAVE NOT ALEADY (and get a tissue
):LINK TO CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR VIDEOS