From the moment they met, Alex, who lives with autism, felt how special Bridgete was when he ran to her with a big smile. Bridgete has gone above and beyond by learning NovaChat to communicate with Alex and help him get through tough times. Not only is she caring with Alex, but she cares for the whole family by making Alex’s mom Gabriela’s life easier by doing Alex’s laundry and cleaning up without asking. As Gabriela says, “Bridgete is just the one who CARES.”
Nomination Letter
Written by client's mother Gabriela S.
Our journey with BrightStar Care begins around three years ago. It was a time when I became a single mom, and I was looking for help/support for my disabled nine year old son (Now he is almost 13!). I was hoping for an instant match. And one day she came...Bridgete and her big smile. My son (who is also autistic) just ran to her, smiled, and just like that I knew that Bridget will be stuck with us for a while. From day number one she was very professional but super friendly and smart!I don't need a regular caregiver on regular schedule, but only as needed usually about 60-70 hours per month. Bridgete’s relationship with my non-verbal son amazes me. Every single time when Bridgete comes into our house, my son is just happy. He greets her with a big smile (autistic kids don't smile much). Sometimes I hear that they are laughing together and my heart is melts. Bridgete is one of few people who takes Alex outside for walk or to the playground, because she cares how much my son loves being outside.
My son is non-verbal, but he communicates thru special communication device. Bridget has learned the NovaChat communication system to help my son to communicate his wants and better understand his needs. But sometimes my Alex has bad days, meltdowns and behavior issues. Bridgete helps him to go thru those dark moments. She involves herself in this situation. She can give him a big hug (which is sensory pressure input) or she holds his hands when he is hitting himself or she tries to distract him or shifts his attention to something else. Many caregivers are just standing, looking and waiting when a meltdown is over.
I never ever asked any caregiver about any housekeeping duties. I always put my son first, so I didn't request anything like making Alex's bed, folding Alex's laundry, changing sheets, cleaning up toys, preparing Alex's food. I believe if someone wants to help, I don't have to ask for that... Of course, with Bridgete EVERYTHING is done. She even gives Alex a bath or organizes the dishwasher with clean or dirty dishes.
To sum up, with Bridgete my son Alex is happy and my house is shining. As a mom I just feel comfortable to leave my son in the best hands. How has this Nurse or Caregiver impacted the life of the person receiving care and/or their family members? Simply, Bridgete makes my son happy and me as a mom too. I think the most important word describing good caregiver is the word CARE. Bridgete is just the one who CARES. Bridgete is very smart, and I know she would love to continue her education. I know she would be an outstanding nurse. I keep my fingers crossed very hard with hope that she will be the one... she is the one for us.