At our recent ‘Care Professional of the Year’ event, we paid tribute to three members of the Home Instead family who are particularly remarkable, with one of the three, Tracey Bird being announced as ‘Care Professional of the Year’ by TV favourite Lorraine Kelly.
Every year, we invite our franchise offices across the country to put forward care professionals who are exceptional for this special award. This year the winner was Tracey, who works for Home Instead Southend-on-Sea. She was recognised for her dedication, natural instinct and going the extra mile to care for her clients and support their families, helping them in so many ways.
One of Tracey’s clients is a man with a terminal illness. When Tracey first met him, he was laying un-responsive in his bed, with his eyes closed constantly. After a challenging few weeks of Tracey bathing and dressing him, as well as the gentle encouragement she provided, he started to engage in conversation and rediscovered his appetite. Six months later, the client was able to go downstairs. Having built trust in Tracey and her care, he likes to tell people she ‘fixed him’, and even helped dry her hair when she arrived at a care visit in the pouring rain.
All the finalists epitomise the caring nature of Home Instead. Kate Herron, a care professional from the Down and Lisburn office, helped her client who has dementia to eat well again. Max Feneley from Home Instead Tavistock, successfully spotted a TIA (Transient Ischaemic Attack) with a client, dealing with it calmly and with utmost professionalism.
Martin Jones MBE, Home Instead CEO UK and International, says: “All of our care professionals are incredible; it takes an immeasurable amount of compassion to provide our clients with the support they need to stay living at home. I’m always delighted that once again our Care Professional of the Year event has shone the light on the wonderful stories that demonstrate Home Instead’s commitment and passion to care. I can’t thank all our care professionals enough.
“I also want to thank the lovely Lorraine Kelly for showing gratitude to our care professionals and making our event extra special. We’ve loved having her represent Home Instead and she’s a much-welcomed addition to the family.”