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“From a human resource frame of reference, I know the steps our agency takes in background checks to ensure the safety of our clients. I do know that there are agencies out there whose background checks are not as complete as ours. We really do not leave a stone unturned. We are only required to do a State Patrol Background Check. For our agency, that is only the beginning. We do a national background check, license check, a check with Adult Protective Services, check driving records, and thorough reference checks."”
Dir. of Human Resources
Lorri Howe, Director of Human Resources
What I Do
I feel that my most important role at Family Resource Home Care is in the hiring process. Documentation is carefully reviewed and background checks and reference checks are thorough and complete. When I interview an applicant, I not only make sure the candidate has the skills, resources, and experience to do the job, but also look for someone who is dependable, trustworthy, warm, kind, and loving. In other words, I ask myself when I am face to face with the applicant if this is someone I would want to take care of my 83-year-old mother.
One of the things that always impresses me with our intake supervisors is their comments when they return from meeting a client for the first time to see what their needs are. Even though the skill set and hours are always relayed to staffing, it never sounds clinical. The respect for the client as an individual is so genuine. They speak about the client in such a loving way and always say we have to find someone terrific to take care of him or her. It is my job to make sure we have that special caregiver on board and I take that responsibility very seriously.
At that point our staffing supervisors get busy to ensure that “perfect match” between caregiver and client. They are not only familiar with each caregiver’s skill level but also know them well enough to know their individual personalities. Our caregivers go out of their way to meet the needs of their client and make the whole experience meaningful and special. As an example, one of our caregivers has a client who loved to go to church and is no longer able to leave her house. The caregiver went to her client’s church, took pictures of the members of the congregation, mounted them in a scrap book, and had the congregation write warm wishes in the scrap book for her client.
Why I Do It
I have been involved in home care for two+ years; however, I have been in Human Resources for over 20 years, either as human resources manager or Director of HR. I greatly enjoy human resources because I love people and the opportunity to interview and hire the best of the best. Prior to Family Resource Home Care, I worked in a program involved in the Clean Air Act, and can’t imagine working in a field that does not enrich the lives of others.
My dear mother is 83 years old and currently lives independently. I absolutely adore her and each year in May I take her on vacation, just she and I, and we have such a wonderful time. Working here especially makes me appreciate how fortunate I am to be able to spend that special time with my mom.
My Favorite Client Story.
One of our clients often comes into the office with her caregiver to pick up petty cash to buy groceries, etc. for the client. The client has Alzheimer’s and does not speak often, maybe just a couple of words, and is confused. She loves stuffed animals and from time to time a member of our administrative team brings in a stuffed animal for her. It is truly heart warming to see the joy on her face when she is holding a teddy bear or stuffed dog. I love to see her happy.
