Joyce’s story is a testament to how a heart for caregiving and a knack for management can shape an unexpected and rewarding career. Her path from caregiver to Compliance Manager has been fueled by her dedication to people, her love for rules and numbers, and a lifelong passion for helping others.
A Heart for Caregiving Sparked Early
Joyce’s journey into caregiving began in high school, long before she held any formal title. She volunteered regularly, which laid the foundation for her future. But it was her grandmother’s stroke that truly ignited her desire to make a difference. Unable to care for her grandmother at home, Joyce made it a mission to visit her every day at the care home, making sure she was fed and comforted. This personal experience opened her eyes to the profound impact caregivers can have.
After high school, Joyce’s career took a different turn as she worked at a library, organizing events for children, adults, and people with developmental disabilities. However, her move to Portland led her back to caregiving. She applied at a home care agency, initially as a caregiver, but soon was asked to manage the Brokerage Program, overseeing cases for clients with developmental disabilities. This was her first step into a more managerial role in healthcare, setting the stage for what was to come. “I was a caregiver for about two years before they pulled me into the office,” she recalls.
Joyce’s Leap to Compliance
Joyce’s talent for understanding regulations and managing operations began to shine during her time at Helping Hands Home Care. She initially started in recruiting but quickly moved up to Branch Manager and Operations Manager, where she gained a deep understanding of Oregon’s regulatory requirements. “When I started at Helping Hands, they hadn’t had a recruiter before, but the atmosphere was changing because they were growing rapidly,” Joyce explains. Her transition into branch operations taught her how to standardize processes, which helped her develop a strong foundation in compliance.
In 2021, when Family Resource Home Care acquired Helping Hands, Joyce found her place in the Quality Department, where she worked alongside Gina R. and Cara L. in compliance, training, and development. It was the perfect fit. “Compliance was the perfect place for me to land,” Joyce says, “I’ve always been a subject matter expert for regulatory rules, so it just made sense.”
Over time, Joyce’s role in compliance grew, eventually leading her to manage a team of four by 2023. Despite working remotely from Tucson, Arizona, she stays connected with her team and caregivers, emphasizing that at the core of compliance work are people. “What we are doing in compliance is supporting our caregivers and branch staff and ensuring through compliance that our clients have quality care, and that fills my cup,” she says, highlighting how her role still allows her to interact with caregivers and many Familly Resource Home Care staff members.
A Unique Perspective from Experience
Joyce’s experience as a caregiver has given her a unique perspective in her current role. She understands the complexities and challenges of caregiving, which helps her empathize with both caregivers and the internal teams she now works with. “All of that has given me the picture of what home care means as a whole,” she reflects. Her time managing a variety of people and taking on-call shifts has given her a broader understanding of the home care landscape, making her more attuned to the needs of the caregivers she supports.
Her understanding of caregiving goes beyond policy—it’s personal. “I think being able to stay in their homes and age gracefully is one of the most meaningful things we can offer clients,” Joyce says. “Caregivers are going to lengthen and bring joy to their lives.”
Empowering Future Caregivers
For Joyce, caregiving is more than a job; it’s a calling. She encourages current and aspiring caregivers to embrace the role’s transformative power. “If you have the heart for it, it’s one of the most enjoyable careers because you are helping people,” Joyce says, emphasizing that caregivers often don’t realize how life-changing their work is for clients. “A lot of it is transferable skills from their own life, and even though a caregiver may not feel like they are doing anything special, their work is life-changing for clients who want to stay in their homes.”
Joyce’s passion for caregiving shines through as she speaks to the impact caregivers have on clients’ lives. She encourages those interested in caregiving not to be afraid to dive in, noting that there is always support for those who want to make a difference.
A Mission-Driven Career
Through it all, what has kept Joyce motivated is her love for the people she works with and the mission of Family Resource Home Care. “We are all passionate people-helpers,” she says. “I wouldn’t want to work for a company that didn’t have such kind and compassionate people.” The variety in her work keeps her engaged, and the challenges that come with compliance fuel her drive to continuously improve processes. “I love that I still have the opportunity to chat with caregivers and partner with the operations teams that provide the direct care,” Joyce says.
Joyce’s story comes full circle with her mother’s experience—her mom once had a caregiver from Family Resource Home Care, which has only deepened her appreciation for the company she now helps guide. “At the end of the day, everyone is trying to do a really good job taking care of our clients and caregivers,” Joyce reflects, highlighting the deep sense of responsibility she feels in her role.
Join Our Compassionate Team – Culture Beyond Compare
If Joyce’s journey has sparked your interest in the fulfilling world of caregiving, we invite you to embark on your own transformative path. Family Resource Home Care is always on the lookout for dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. With over 30 locations spanning across Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, there’s an opportunity waiting for you to join our compassionate community. Whether you’re an experienced caregiver or considering a career change, take the leap and explore the rewarding realm of caregiving with us. Discover the joy of creating meaningful connections and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Your journey begins here – join us in spreading warmth, care, and support.
