There comes a time when the care your parent or spouse needs is more than you can handle. It may be health related, or maybe you just need a temporary break from the daily responsibility.
When you need help, call Robyn Heppner. She’s a Care Designer with Nurse Next Door, serving Abbotsford, Aldergrove, Langley and Surrey. Her job is to match caregivers with clients, and a match means more than just connecting any two people.
“It starts with a complimentary consultation, either virtually or in-person. We talk about the client’s needs and create a care plan together,” Heppner says. “I ask about health needs and chores around the home, but I also want to get to know clients. What are their hobbies, what dreams do they hope to fulfill? Making a good match with the caregiver isn’t just about availability, but finding the right fit.”
What do you love doing that you don’t get to do?
Heppner has years of experience as a Licensed Practical Nurse, working both in-hospital and in healthcare administration and management. She says working with Nurse Next Door is a great fit, because their values match with her own.
“They’re willing to go that extra mile to add value and joy to people’s lives. It’s not just checking things off a to-do list, and I’ve seen that from the top down. I receive lots of support from the franchisee owner, and she’s right there working with caregivers and clients. Everyone at the company genuinely cares.”
Heppner’s favourite part of the job is consultations — connecting with people and finding ways to make a positive impact in their lives.
“One of the questions I ask is, ‘What do you love doing that you don’t get to do?’ Our service is more than just making meals or offering at-home medical care. When we make a care plan I’m trying to figure out where we can be most beneficial, where we’ll have the biggest impact.”
After the initial consultation, and a home assessment to ensure the safety of both the caregiver and the client, Heppner and Nurse Next Door’s People Experience Coordinator make a match. Heppner shares relevant information with the caregiver, and she also tags along on the first caregiver visit to make introductions.
“If it’s not a good fit we can always try someone new, but that rarely happens. Every client gets my phone number, and I also check in frequently to reassess needs and make sure clients are happy.”
To book your free caring consult, call the local care team 24/7 at 778-600-0680. Learn more at nursenextdoor.com.
FURTHER READING: Helping find the perfect match — for clients and caregivers alike!