“This has made me realize how much I love my job.” Mary Jane Matheny, “Jane,” has been a Home Instead Senior Care CAREGiver for seven years. The past few weeks have looked quite different for her. At first, her client had to cancel services because the care facility that she (the client) was in was no longer allowing caregivers, family, or anyone besides staff members into the community. This put Jane into what she called a “forced vacation” for a few weeks. 

Jane shared with the office that she missed her time with her client since she has been caring for her client for four years. It was then that everyone worked together to use a Home Instead tablet that had been placed in the client’s home to connect them through video calls. Now, Jane is able to come into the office and video chat with her client each week. 

Jane wants her 94 year old client to know she hasn’t been forgotten and wants to check in on her. Just because she can’t be there in person, doesn’t mean that she isn’t still a caregiver for her. Jane noticed that she hadn’t had her hair done recently, and that they could add more lotion to her face. Jane continues to be the family’s advocate even now from afar. Jane knows that her client needs more interaction and is happy that she is able to connect with her. 

“I have a date with her on Friday,” Jane says excitedly. While virtual caregiving definitely benefits the client, it is good for Jane as well. “I didn’t realize that I missed her so much,” Jane says. She is proud to be a Home Instead caregiver and be able to still provide care whether in person or virtually.

*photo is of Jane video calling her client for the first time