SPOTLIGHT: Susan E. (Executive Administrative Assistant)

Our caregiver Susan E. was recently promoted to Executive Administrative Assistant. She will be working on scheduling our caregivers, human resources and other administrative duties. Susan has been a caregiver for a long and she was once a supervisor at Starbucks Coffee. Her calm demeanor, her smile and knowing the business she is a natural at this job. We are lucky to have her.. Here is a little about Susan and we congratulate her on her promotion.

Susan grew up on a farm in north central Iowa. She has always enjoyed helping care for other people. Whether it was a child as a babysitter or nanny. Or spending time with the elderly helping them do things that they no longer can do for themselves.

One of Susan’s best memories happens every time I work with C. I was told that most of my time would be spent sitting by her bedside keeping her company. I was also told that she doesn’t talk a lot. Her daughter was surprised at how fast she took to me. She keeps her eyes open and we talk about all sorts of things. One day as I was leaving I waved goodbye to C. She waved back much to her daughter and my surprise. I guess she had never done that before. That’s the type of things that make this job so worthwhile.

Susan’s advice to new caregivers is to be patient and compassionate. Treat each client as a person and not just a job. We can all learn a lot from our elderly clients if we just listen to them and their life stories. Our clients ae happy to speak with Susan, in her new role when they call and they hear a familiar voice, it puts them at ease. And although her clients miss her they tell me “Susan is so deserving of a promotion”. Susan is still available to work with our clients if we need someone in a pinch.

Susan’s hobbies are reading and spending time outside. Most people don’t know that Susan is a tomboy who loves sports. She also collect unicorns and love Vincent Van Gogh and Winnie the Pooh.”

Susan, thank you for all you do for Norwood Seniors Network, we’re glad to have you on our team!

SPOTLIGHT: Chris P. (Caregiver of the Quarter!)

We are proud to announce that our colleague Chris P. was named Caregiver of the Quarter! We honored him due to the consistent great feedback from all his clients, his eight years of dedication and service to Norwood Seniors Network. Chris is on-time, loyal and has a kind personality that our clients love. His clients have said about Chris “ he is patient,” “he is kind,” “Chris works hard and gets my dad,” and "Chris is very talented and wish we could have him each day.” Chris is an excellent communicator, he lets the office staff know what is going on, if there is a problem and reports all things he needs too. Above all, Chris is a very kind caregiver and we are beyond grateful to have him on our team. Thanks for all you do for us Chris!

SPOTLIGHT: Jatara C.

Jatara started with Norwood Seniors Network in 2021, and has quickly picked up more work than most!

Jatara has a lifelong dream to be a registered nurse. In high school, she decided to do some caregiving for family members, so she could find out more about the field. One of her most memorable clients was a woman who used to be a nurse herself. This client turned out to be a huge inspiration, as she shared her own experiences in nursing, and always encouraged and motivated Jatara to pursue her own training and never give up. Her favorite thing to do is to spend time going out with friends and family.

Thank you Jatara, for all you do for us and the seniors we serve!

SPOTLIGHT: Marietta V.

Marietta joined our roster this past summer. She came to the United States primarily to help take care of her grandchildren. About a year later, her friend asked her if she would like to give caregiving a try. So she applied, and was hired. She says, “I enjoy caregiving. I have made amazing memories with my clients. It is my joy taking care of them.” Her advice to new caregivers is to be patient and always show love to their clients. “Work hard, and be honest.” Besides having fun with her grandchildren, Marietta sings with her church choir as soprano, alto and tenor!

Thank you Marietta, for your dedication to your clients and to Norwood Seniors Network. We’re grateful to have you on our team!

SPOTLIGHT: Elizabeth L.

Elizabeth has been a part of NSN team as one of two of our scheduling coordinator. Elizabeth works closely with the caregivers and clients and finds the perfect caregiver for our clients. We are so grateful for her kind demeanor and her care for the clients. Thank you Elizabeth for your four years and we are so happy to have you on our team.

SPOTLIGHT: Timothy F.

We are thrilled to announce a new member to our team: Timothy has joined NSN as our additional scheduling coordinator and caregiver. He comes to us with a wealth of experience and is looking forward to helping us make a difference in the community. Let’s make him feel welcome!

CAREGIVER OF THE YEAR AWARD NOMINEE: Anna Bober

Anna is one of our devoted caregivers here at Norwood Seniors Network and our nominee for the 2021 Home Care Association of America Caregiver of the Year Award. This is her story:

“I grew up in a small town in Poland. I began caregiving when a friend of mine became sick and needed assistance. By taking care of her, I realized I enjoyed helping others. I have enjoyed working with all my clients and take away wonderful memories from these experiences. The advice I have for new caregivers is to smile and to listen to your clients. My favorite thing to do is to spend time with my 5-month old granddaughter, Kiera. I also enjoy taking walks with my family and watching movies.”

Anna’s been with NSN for 4 years, and we are so grateful to Anna for her consistently excellent work and her big heart. Thank you for all you do for us and the seniors we serve!          

SPOTLIGHT: Denise G.

Meet Denise G., who joined our caregiving team two years ago:

“I grew up in Belize City and came to the United States 32 years ago. Without realizing what the term “caregiving” was, I've been a caregiver since I was a teenager. When I was in high school, I had a couple of elderly family members who were bedridden and needed assistance at night. They both lived together, so after school in the evenings I would go to their home to care for them at night. I took care of them all the way through high school.

More recently, I had the pleasure of caring for Ms. P. In the short time that I cared for her, she left a lasting impression on me. She was very pleasant to talk to, and was very much a gentle soul.

My advice to new caregivers is to make sure you are in this line of work because you have a true desire to assist someone in need, and that you’re not just doing it because it's a job. This field is, after all, the helping profession.

My plan for the future is very basic: to be successful in whatever I am doing or will pursue, and be passionate about it. I don't want to spend my life working and not be able to enjoy it! Before I had my daughter, I traveled a lot. Now that she is 12 years old, I will resume my traveling hobby with her. Our first trip this year will be to Disney World in Florida.”

Thank you Denise for all you do for us and the seniors we serve!

SPOTLIGHT: Mathee Mae G.

Mathee Mae G. is one of our newer caregivers on the roster; she joined us last year. She grew up in the Philippines, and started caregiving during her senior year in high school, which had a special program leading to nursing.

“It was a requirement to be immersed and trained in one’s associated field chosen. My group and I was assigned to the elderly sector, where we took care of a mixture of ambulatory and disabled patients, with the guidance of an instructor.

It was a memorable experience for Mathee Mae, “I was able to take care of elders with different stories and origins. Also, I saw in their faces that they were thankful to us for helping them, and doing activities with them. They said, of all the groups of students who took care of them, we were the group they wouldn’t forget.”

She says of all of her clients, past and present, “everybody is memorable for me because my experiences with the clients I had worked with were different in every way.”

Her advice to new caregivers would be to “start the shift with positivity and establish rapport with your client. Be patient, take a deep breath and continue. Be respectful, respect the client’s wants, and be grateful you were able to help, because your client appreciates the help ten times more. Also, be grateful for your employers and fellow caregivers for their help and support.” 

Mathee Mae likes to read, listen to music, and sleep! Lately, I’m interested in learning to cook a great variety of recipes. 

Thank you for all you do Mathee Mae! We’re glad to have you on our team!

SPOTLIGHT: Sue C.

Sue C. is a longtime caregiver with Norwood Seniors Network. She was born and raised in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago. In her own words...

“I started working with seniors for District 64 in Park Ridge with the program for senior greeters. My friend Amy suggested Norwood Seniors Network. It was a great suggestion.” Sue’s been on our roster for 8 years now!

“One of my fondest memories is with my friend and client J. She loved to ride in my red mustang, go to Portillo’s and pick up hotdogs, then go to Centennial Park and watch the children play and swim.” Sue’s advice to new caregivers is to “sit back and listen to their life stories, reminisce with them.” This is her favorite part of caregiving.

Sue loves to Polka dance (she’s a member of the International Polka Association), cook, go boating, travel and go to as many concerts as she can. She can’t wait to go to her first concert after Covid!

Thank you Sue for your dedication to our clients. We’re glad to have you on our team! 

SPOTLIGHT: Karolina S.

Caregiver Karolina  has been on our roster for 2 years now. She grew up in the towns of Slawno and Szczecin, in Poland. She got her start in caregiving at a time when she wasn’t feeling well, and didn’t have a lot of work. A friend of hers asked her to fill in for another caregiver…and this is what sparked her passion for the profession.

She has lots of memories and stories, but most center around making new friends and sharing good moments with her clients. One of her clients was a dance instructor, and they regularly freestyle danced for 15-minutes a day, which was a lot of fun!

Her advice to new caregivers is to “never judge others and never feel superior to anyone. Everyone has his or her own wisdom, and is a beautiful and unique child of God.”

Karonlina loves cycling, being in nature, and spending time with her family, friends, and people who love God. She loves learning, and evolving as a human being. 

Thank you Karolina, for your dedication to your clients and to Norwood Seniors Network. We’re grateful to have you on our team!

SPOTLIGHT: Sheila M.

Sheila is one of our seasoned caregivers. She’s been with Norwood Seniors Network for 7 years!

Sheila grew up in Chicago’s Forestville/Bronzeville neighborhood, and got her start in the field by caring for her parents, her auntie and her husband. 

One of her great memories is the feedback she received from doctors, nurses and client’s kids on how well she took care of her clients, “The medical staff told the client’s kids that they are lucky to have me. This same client called me her guardian angel.” 

Her advice to new caregivers is that “caregiving is something you have to have a passion for. You have to love taking care and helping people. You have to have respect for people, and know when to give them space while you are present.”

Sheila loves being a caregiver, “That is my number one passion (caring and helping people).” She also likes to take long walks, visiting the botanical gardens, and reading a good book that makes her laugh to the end. She loves cooking, and spending time with family and friends. 

Thank you Sheila, for your dedication and compassion. We’re grateful to have you on our team!

SPOTLIGHT: Susan E.

Susan is one of our more recent caregivers who has hit the ground running at Norwood Seniors Network. Here’s her story:

“I grew up on a farm in north central Iowa. I’ve always enjoyed helping care for other people. Whether it was a child as a babysitter or nanny. Or spending time with the elderly helping them do things that they no longer can do for themselves.

One of my best memories happens every time I work with C. I was told that most of my time would be spent sitting by her bedside keeping her company. I was also told that she doesn’t talk a lot. Her daughter was surprised at how fast she took to me. She keeps her eyes open and we talk about all sorts of things. One day as I was leaving I waved goodbye to C. She waved back much to her daughter and my surprise. I guess she had never done that before. That’s the type of things that make this job so worthwhile.

My advice to new caregivers is to be patient and compassionate. Treat each client as a person and not just a job. We can all learn a lot from our elderly clients if we just listen to them and their life stories.

My hobbies are reading and spending time outside. Most people don’t know that I’m a tomboy who loves sports. I also collect unicorns and love Vincent Van Gogh and Winnie the Pooh.”

SPOTLIGHT: Joan A.

Our caregiver Joan M. is an Oak Lawn native and has been with Norwood Seniors Network for five years.

Here’s her story:

Joan had just retired from her full time job, and just finished an exercise class she took at Norwood Park Senior Center when she saw a flyer at the information desk. She was looking for a part-time job with flexibility, and a chance to help people, and caregiving fit her “to a T.”

Her first client--and not her easiest--was homebound for seven years when Joan started. She had a lot of physical limitations, but once Joan got to know her, the work became easier, and she ended up staying with her client until she passed.

Joan says, “caregiving is very intimate. You are going into a person's home and helping with activities of daily living. You might be the only person that the client has contact with day. Also, every client is different and has different needs and wants. Communication is key to have a successful partnership with your client.”

Joan asked her own client what advice can be given to caregivers, and she said, “Listen.”

Another important thing to remember is that “it’s difficult for clients to have to ask for assistance, and lose their independence. A good caregiver must understand that and have empathy.”

Joan loves to dance and has taught beginner's line dance classes. During the pandemic, instead of dancing, she started sewing masks. She have sewn over 150 masks, all different themes and colors and have given them to friends and family. “It’s nice to see one of my masks being worn and knowing that it is protecting the mask wearer and the rest of us!”

Thank you Joan, for all you do for Norwood Seniors Network – we’re glad to have you on our team!

SPOTLIGHT: Toyin A.

(in Toyin's own words) 

I grew up in Lagos, Nigeria. I had looked after my Grandmum who had a stroke before I came to Chicago in 2017. This experience made me very compassionate towards elderly people. I joined Norwood Seniors Network in 2018. My most memorable client was my first client at Norwood. I worked with her for about three years until she passed away. We bonded so well and I always looked forward to seeing her. She was tough, but I understood her.

Caregiving can be very challenging because sometimes your client can act awkwardly towards you, or they can be emotional. As a caregiver, you need to be firm, and not let yourself get emotional. Never lose your temper. To be a caregiver, you have to love caring, be very patient and just picture the client as your family.

I love cooking and enjoy driving, so I do delivery some days and I can drive around to get to know new places. I look forward to working as a medical assistant so I can work in different healthcare sectors.

Thank you Toyin, for your dedication and for all you do for Norwood Seniors Network!

SPOTLIGHT: Gabriela I.

Gabriela grew up in Chicago. She always liked to help people. As a child, she enjoyed helping her mother take care of her younger siblings. When traveling to Mexico, Gabriela helped her grandmother as well. As a young adult, she had an internship at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, transporting patients to and from their rooms to the common area. Here she had the opportunity to really get to know and bond with the patients. It was at this time, that she realized this work was something she adored doing, and could do as a profession.

“I remember when I first met client R. I remember arriving at her house, feeling nervous and anxious because this was my first time meeting her. She received me with open arms and was so welcoming. We got along quickly, and now I am happy every time I see her.”

She has many dreams and plans, including obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Psychology. This would make her the first of her five siblings to finish university. She also wishes to travel extensively! She is grateful to her parents for all their support and love. Gabriela likes reading, painting, and candle-making! She also love Marvel movies and tries to have a Marvel marathon every month!

Thank you Gabriela for your excellent work and continued dedication to our clients!

SPOTLIGHT: Teresa B.

Teresa originally worked in the hospital ER for many years, and was looking for a new direction in her career, which would also offer her some flexibility so she could spend time and make new memories with her grandchildren. Her positive interactions with senior patients in the ER is what stimulated her interest in becoming a caregiver. This also aligned with her aim to help people feel comfortable in their own homes, so they don’t have to leave their surroundings.

Teresa believes in treating her clients with respect, empathy and compassion, just like they are her own family. “The elderly have so much history to tell, and they are so happy to tell someone. We just have to listen.”

SPOTLIGHT: Sonya V.

Sonya V. - she works as both a caregiver and scheduler for Norwood Seniors Network!

A Chicago native, she got into caregiving by helping a friend of a friend. Then, she worked at a retirement community as a concierge with seniors and says “I have always loved them!” Her most fond memory: "My first client, JM. Comcast cable asked her to go down to her basement and assist them with their upgrade in her home. She really gave it to them over the phone and let them know that she was in her 80’s and was a good, paying customer and shouldn’t have to do that! After that, they sent someone to her home “free of charge” to upgrade her system that others usually pay for. I was so proud of her.”

She also had experience scheduling as a bakery manager, and that, along with her caregiving experience (and a few other details) made her a great fit to join our office team.

Her plans for the future are “an open palm of whatever the Lord puts in my path. I hope to do my best with whatever comes my way.” Sonya loves bike riding and resale shops, especially the Norwood Life Society Thrift shop. A little known fact about Sonya: when she was a child, she wanted to be in the roller derby. She never made it to the derby, but she enjoyed roller skating in her younger days.

Thank you for all you do for our clients and our organization Sonya!

SPOTLIGHT: Vicky K.

Vicky, who has been a caregiver with Norwood Seniors Network since 2009, was born and raised in Poland, and immigrated to the United States in 1976. She got her start in caregiving by receiving CNA training while working at Resurrection Nursing Facility in the early 80s. She loves caregiving, because she loves people. She enjoys being with different people, and learning their individual likes, dislikes, etc. She enjoys the differences in all the people she meets and cares for over the years. Her favorite client was a 106-year-old woman, “She was quiet, but also loved to talk about everything, her stories, her cooking, everything. She was the best.”

She would tell new caregivers that it’s most important to “find out your client’s likes, needs, and learn how to do the things your client wants.”

Vicky who resides in Chicago, likes cooking, and spending time with her grown son.

Thank you Vicky for your excellence, loyalty, dedication to your clients and Norwood Seniors Network.

SPOTLIGHT: Helena A.

Helena has been with Norwood Seniors Network since 2017 and was born and raised in Accra, Ghana. She moved to the states with her family and initially worked as a nanny. She loved every aspect of the job before transitioning to elderly care. She remembers, “Every client I helped always cherished my work ethic. I do my job to my best ability and they always want me to stay.”

Her advice to new caregivers is to “Do their job with pride and dignity and the reward will follow. Show respect to all the clients, no matter how difficult they can be…as a caregiver, we have to remember that the elderly need our attention no matter what. And we have to dedicate our time to them.”

Helena enjoys spending time with her granddaughter—who keeps her on her toes! She also likes watching comedies with family, singing in her church choir and cooking. Her dream is to open up an African-Caribbean Restaurant in the North side of Chicago.

Thank you Helena, for your excellent work and dedication to our clients! 

SPOTLIGHT: Ashlee C.

Ashlee is one of our dedicated caregivers for Norwood Seniors Network.

She was born in the city of Chicago but grew up in Aurora. Her interest in caregiving was sparked when she moved in with her grandmother and started caring for her when she was just 17 years old. 

One of her favorite memories from caregiving is when she worked with residents in an Assisted Living Facility, helping them decorate for Christmas. Her advice for new caregivers is to "take the time to really get to know your client!"

In her time off, Ashlee loves baking and decorating and setting up for parties and events.

We are proud of all the excellent work and loyalty Ashlee demonstrates to her clients and to

Norwood Seniors Network. Thank you for all you do Ashlee!                   

SPOTLIGHT: Rosario V.

Meet Rosario, who came to Norwood Seniors Network in 2019. Rosario grew up in Mexico, the youngest of four girls. Ever since she can remember, she always liked to be around older people, because she believes that there is so much to learn from them. “I think that they are like a good book!” 

She has fond memories and experiences with all of her clients, "all of them have been beautiful people, all of them were smart women!" One of the more interesting clients she had was a woman who hitchhiked around the country in her younger days.

Rosario feels that an important lesson for caregivers is to learn to talk with seniors and make them feel that they are loved and that they are important. Her dream is to keep serving and to do her best. In her downtime, she loves to crochet and being a hairdresser!

Thank you Rosario, for all of your hard work and dedication to your clients. We're proud to have you on our team!

SPOTLIGHT: Helen T.

Helen grew up in Chicago, but has spent time in other states, including California. There, she volunteered to travel to Louisiana to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, which is what sparked her interest in homecare. In total, she has 8 years of experience in caregiving, and she says, “I never thought I would have a special bond with two particular clients while working at Norwood Seniors Network,” Even through the challenges that can come with caregiving, she managed the work, and developed a very good relationship with them. “To this day I hold them very dear to my heart.”

When asked about advice she’d give to new caregivers:

“Some assignments will be tough, demanding, and frustrating. Don't be discouraged, but keep on trying. Do the best you can to take care of your clients even if they do not always appreciate you. Have faith and strive for excellence to be the best caregiver ever. Your hard work, team effort, and perseverance will pay off as well as the compassion, patience, and skills you already have. They will all serve you well in the long term and leave a memorable impression on others.”

Today, Helen lives in Chicago, and in her spare time, is writing a series of books. She sings, and is learning guitar and piano. Her dream is to become a novelist and a music therapist.

Helen, we at NSN are grateful to have such excellent caregivers with a positive attitude, and a strong work ethic, like yourself! Thank you for all you do!

SPOTLIGHT: Kelly O.

Kelly grew up in Andersonville, and her caregiving experience began when her mother came to live with her in 2004. She decided to try caregiving for an agency in 2009.

An interesting memory of Kelly’s:

“When I worked for an agency out in the western suburbs, a client was interviewing caregivers. She chose me because I had commented on a photo of President Obama she had on a shelf in her home. She wanted somebody to talk with about politics and the news.”

In terms of advice for new caregivers, she feels that that it takes a while to get to know the clients and what caregiving strategies works with them. She says there will be good days and bad days, so it’s important to accept that as part of the job, but also to be patient with yourself.

She loves to read and write, and belongs to the Goodman Theater’s GeNarrations, a storytelling program for adults over 55. She is an outdoor person who loves nature, hiking, camping and particularly enjoys Wisconsin, Michigan, the Morton Arboretum and the Chicago Botanic Gardens. Kelly’s dreams and plans include writing her memoir, seeing her two grandsons graduate high school, and traveling to Zion National Park and all the other national parks in Utah.

Thanks for all you do, Kelly!

SPOTLIGHT: Shiela L.

Shiela was born and raised in the Philippines. When she was a young girl, she took care of her 90-year old grandmother until she passed away at 97. This was her first experience in caregiving. Since then, she went on to earn two bachelor’s degrees from prestigious universities in the Philippines in Civil Engineering and Secondary Education, but sadly was not able to use those degrees here in the U.S. This is when her husband suggested caregiving. Since then, she has had clients who lived with many issues ranging from recovery from brain surgery, hip surgery, and dementia.

To new caregivers, her advice is “to be patient, use common sense, and always ask for the help of God. This is my third year in caregiving and I am very happy for the different and new challenges that I encounter every day.”

One day, Shiela hopes to tour around the world with her family. She loves cooking and singing, but her favorite hobby “is pretty simple…and I am sure that most people do it. It is listening to music, especially the sentimental love songs.”

Thank you Shiela, for your compassion, dedication and loyalty you show our clients!

SPOTLIGHT: Margaret R.

Margaret is one of our long-time caregivers, having served with Norwood Seniors Network since 2013. She grew up near St. Angela School (North Austin), and then moved north, living near St. Juliana School (Edison Park), where she lives now, with her husband and four children.

Margaret entered the caregiving field because she loves helping others, and she loves to hear her clients’ stories. Her current client load includes a former lawyer, and a past client was a former judge. Her clients give her great memories.

Outside of caregiving, she volunteers at Chicago Canine Rescue walking dogs and helping with a dog playgroup. Her three passions are babies, the elderly and animals. Of caregiving, she says, “I believe in giving back and doing the right thing. It’s a very rewarding job.”

Margaret, thank you for all you do for us and the seniors we serve in the community!

SPOTLIGHT: Lee S.

Lee started working for Norwood Seniors Network in 2016. She is an Administrative Assistant and handles the recruitment and training of caregivers, among other office duties. Outside of work, she is a singer in a country band and owns a hobby-turned-business of ice-dyed and handknit accessories. She loves her job with NSN, as well as the culture and her colleagues.

“I love working in a place whose mission is to help others, especially in a society where older adults are generally overlooked. Our goal of providing quality care – and helping our seniors maintain their independence – is so important and so needed!”

Lee lives in the Northwest Side of Chicago with her husband, two kids and a crazy Labrador-mix named Bette. 

Thank you so much for all you do, Lee!

SPOTLIGHT: Felicia F.

Norwood Seniors Network is so proud to have Feliciaon our staff of caregivers! Felicia grew up on the West side of Chicago, and she got her start in the field by taking care of her grandparents and her aunt. One of the most memorable clients she had was a man named Bert, "I cared about him very much...he was fun to talk to!"

Her advice to any new caregiver is to "just be yourself. Be kind and nice to people, because that person could be a family member. Just remember the way you treat someone is the way you would want to be treated if you needed help." 

Felicia enjoys working - but aside from working, she enjoys watching tv, going out to dinner and playing with her grandchildren. We are very grateful to her for all her hard work, as well as her generous and friendly spirit. Thank you Felicia!

SPOTLIGHT: Jasmine T.

Meet one of our newer caregivers, Jasmine T. Jasmine grew up in Shiloh, Georgia. She and her siblings were raised by her aunt, who took them in at the age of 60. So, in a sense, caregiving found Jasmine, as she helped to take care of her aunt later on and this brought her a lot of joy.

She entered professional caregiving at the age of 20, and Jasmine says that the clients she’s met over the years added to her life and gave her much inspiration. She describes one of her most powerful experiences, “…having to care for a 40-year-young lady who was battling cancer. My mother passed away from cancer at 46. I felt being there for my client was my way to be there for my mother the way I always dreamed of doing. My client’s determination and eagerness to get better gave me such joy because, with all she was going through, she never gave up. She never complained. She fought a long hard fight. But being able to see her physically regain strength gave me a feeling of true pride. She wasn’t a quitter.”

Her advice to new caregivers is to have patience. “Caregiving isn’t always easy but it’s rewarding when the clients you care for let you know that you’re appreciated. The people you come into contact with matter. They aren’t just a job. Be understanding. Take your time. Treat them like you would want someone to treat you.”

Some of Jasmine’s favorite things to do is learning, and “soaking up knowledge like a sponge.” She also likes reading, sitting by the lake, and taking long rides while listening to music. 

Jasmine, thank you for your hard work, and your unwavering belief in this profession. Indeed, it takes a special kind of compassion and dedication to be a great caregiver. We’re proud to have you as part of Norwood Seniors Network!

SPOTLIGHT: Vera B.

Vera grew up in Ghana and moved to Chicago in 2017 to join her husband. She joined Norwood Seniors Network that same year.

Vera says that she has a passion for nursing. “All my life have been caring and helping people as a nurse.” Vera sees the caregiving profession as a calling, and she sees herself best in the act of taking care of people, so it's fitting that caregiving is her occupation. She says she loves to help people, especially the elderly, as it's a joy to see them happy and comfortable.

Her advice to all caregivers, new and veteran, is "first of all: love what you do and always put yourselves in the "shoes" of your clients. With that in mind, you will always be able to give the best of care.” These are words of wisdom Vera!

In her time off, she loves reading, swimming, listening to music, and cooking.

Thank you Vera! We truly appreciate the passion, skill, and dedication you put into your work!