Nomination Letter
Written by the client’s daughter, Janet
When I initially met Jonelle, I was wary due to past experiences with caregivers. That was quickly gone after ten minutes of being with her. She listened to what I had to say about my mother and was interested in how she could best care for my mother who was blind, hard of hearing and who did not like people she did not know. I felt right away that she was kind, efficient, and hard working. Additionally, I felt confident that she would provide safe care and that I could trust her. Jonelle provided care that was tailored to what my mother needed while keeping her care consistent and kind. She always found a way to do the tasks needed and made my mother feel like she was part of that decision. My mother could be difficult, and Jonelle never acted like she was any trouble at all. I honestly felt like Jonelle was really sad when my mom wasn’t feeling well. She was meticulous in the skin care she gave. Hospice was very impressed with my mom's skin at age 92 and being bed ridden. At the end of every day, Jonelle always gave a thorough detailed description of her day with my mother. I always knew she was in wonderful hands. Additionally, I could tell that she often “took up the slack” of other caregivers and never complained (not all caregivers were from BrightStar Care). Additionally, I never worried about Jonelle being late. She was prompt even in the biggest snowstorms!! She also came in extra when we needed… every time.
I can’t begin to say how Jonelle went above and beyond during her time with my mother. (As I write this my mother has recently passed and my mind is a bit fogged.) As far as personal care, she was the best. We often referred to her as my mom’s Angel or her Rockstar! She did daily massages, especially to her feet. Later she thought of creative ways to provide oral care.
I’ll never forget the day I came home to hear Jonelle playing the piano for my mother. My father (deceased) always played and had a piano in the bedroom. I found out that she played every afternoon for her while my mom rested. I felt so happy hearing the music as I came into the house. Jonelle loves to be organized and helped us make the care at our house efficient and organized. She was there when hospice visited and gave Doug the list of what was needed. This was a pleasant relief that I didn’t need to think about what supplies we needed. Jonelle also asked, “What can I do today if you mom has a sleepy day?” She cleaned and organized drawers, dressers, closets while staying close by my mom. She was devoted and committed to helping our family. I never once worried about her being on the internet or personal phone calls instead of providing care.
Part of her commitment to providing positivity to her job was the way Jonelle appreciated celebrating the little things. She dressed for every holiday including wearing fun earrings! I looked forward to what she might wear! Of course, it was always work appropriate but fun. My mom turned 92 in March this year and she brought her flowers and balloons!! A big smile from my mother!! As I mentioned my mom became blind later in life. She was an avid reader and loved books. We offered books on tape, but my mom politely declined. Jonelle brought in the Chicken Soup books and read the short stories to her. When my mom became more ill, she never stopped as my mom loved hearing her calm sweet voice.
Jonelle helped make a really difficult, emotional time better. She dealt with my mom’s decline and the family drama that went with it with grace and kindness. My mother really loved Jonelle and always asked when she was coming back. My mom ate/drank much better when Jonelle was there and often was more talkative. Jonelle made it a point to talk about the family to her, reminding her who had just visited. She really became a member of our family, and I really don’t know how we would have coped without her. I can’t express enough how thankful our family is that BrightStar Care was able to provide her for my mom and give us exactly what we needed.