November 2021

Newsletter

Caregiver of the Month - Congratulations Joelene Kosub

Joelene joined our Senior Helpers team in June 2020, back when we were still navigating new hiring practices due to COVID. Right from the beginning she was responsible, flexible, and cheerful. She has transferred those same qualities to her work as a caregiver and it is high time she was recognized as Caregiver of the Month! 

Joelene started out working evening shifts with a client who had just transitioned home from a Skilled Nursing Facility. The client eventually did not need care anymore and credits Joelene for much of her improvement. Joelene now works nightshifts and always arrives on time, leaves her clients clean and comfortable, and has a positive attitude. Recently she had to stay 2 hours late one morning due to an emergency call out. She was late to another job but handled the situation very gracefully and stayed with our client until we could get someone over to relieve her.

Thank you Joelene for all of your hard work!

The Caregiver of the Month receives a $50 gift card and recognition in the Newsletter! If you would like to nominate someone for Caregiver of the Month please email Shannon at sworkman@seniorhelpers.com. The

Team Lunch

We would like to acknowledge and thank caregivers Dorie Prulitsky, Gabby Lozano, and Lorna Ross for the above and beyond excellent care that they provided to the late Ben and Katie Marrs. There were many other caregivers who contributed to their care and we do not want to diminish their efforts. But these three worked the most hours and provided ongoing, stable, and high quality care. We recently enjoyed a nice lunch together to reminisce on our time working with Katie and Ben. 

Pictured (left to right): Shannon, Dorie, Gabby, and Lorna. 

We love doing these team meetings whenever we can. If you feel your team would benefit from a team meeting, please contact our Director of Client Services Liah Ramirez at lramirez@seniorhelpers.com.

Vaccinations Required for Home Care Aides

In an ongoing effort to ensure safety of persons in care, and to minimize the spread of COVID-19 among vulnerable individuals, a State Public Health Officer Order was issued on September 28, 2021 requiring all Home Care Aides (HCAs) to have the first dose of a one-dose regimen or the second dose of a two-dose regimen by November 30, 2021.

HCAs may be exempt from the vaccination requirements based on religious beliefs or if they are excused from receiving any COVID-19 vaccine due to Qualifying Medical Reasons. HCAs with an exemption must be tested weekly.

Senior Helpers takes the protection of our clients’ and caregivers’ health and safety very seriously and welcomes this new mandate. Vaccination remains the best tool that we have to protect ourselves, our families, and our community from COVID-19.

As a reminder, vaccination is in addition to other key measures such as mask wearing, testing, physical distancing, and hand hygiene. 

Give Thanks

Whether this is the first Newsletter you are receiving, or you've been with us from the beginning, we are very grateful to be in your home. Below our office staff shares what they are most thankful about this year. 

"I am thankful for everyone's support as I've become a working Mom this year! Everyone has been very supportive and understanding. It's so fun to share Leon with all of you!" - Shannon

"I'm thankful for the wonderful caregivers that have joined our team this year! It has been great getting to know each one through the interview process and then seeing them flourish with their clients." - Emalee 

"I'm grateful that most everyone in our Senior Helpers family has stayed relatively healthy this last year. Thanks for staying healthy!" - Mike 

"I am thankful for the opportunity to work with Senior Helpers. I get to work with a great team of office staff and caregivers!" - Elena

"I am grateful for another day, a chance to be here at Senior Helpers making a difference in our clients lives, and to have coworkers who share the same work values!" - Liah 

Emalee in NYC

Emalee Kourani, our Client Service Coordinator, took a short trip to New York City for Halloween! On this trip, she visited the 9/11 Memorial, Washington Square Park, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. 

Her favorite parts were going on a rowboat in Central Park, going to the top of the Rockefeller (pictured to the right), and the pizza! 

November Caregiver Anniversaries

• Gustavo Vazquez - 3 years
• Elvira Moreno de Luna - 2 years
• Belinda De La Barra - 1 year
• Julie Dupak - 10 years

Thank you for your service! Senior Helpers is lucky to have you all on our team!

New Caregivers! 

Say hello to the newest faces of Senior Helpers! 

Rachel is a natural caregiver! She has taken care of children, grandchildren, and her own father. She enjoys the experience of taking care of someone and learning from them. We are excited to have her on the team! 

Maggie has worn a variety of hats - she has been a CNA, an esthetician, and even owned her own restaurant. She loves to help people feel good and is excited to be doing so through caregiving once more. We look forward to seeing her work! 

Birthdays

• Tracy Menchaca, 11/19
• Michelle Hughes, 11/21
• Angie Arriaza. 11/23
• Lupita Flores, 11/27
• Eleanor Velasquez, 11/29

Thanksgiving is Coming! 

Read ahead for a great side dish to try at your Thanksgiving Meal this year!