Paula is our December Employee of the Month!

Each month we spotlight a Seniors for Seniors companion who shows exemplary care to our clients.

Paula Swift was chosen as our December Employee of the Month because of the great things we hear about her from our clients and their families. Paula loves what she does and it shows through her interactions with our clients.

This is Paula's experience working as a Senior Companion:

1. How did you hear about Seniors for Seniors and why did you decide to join the company?

The first time I heard about Seniors for Seniors was on a radio ad. I wanted to work part-time after retiring from my full-time job when I was 55. I liked the idea of younger seniors helping older seniors.

2. What is your favourite companion/caregiver experience or story?

I took a client shopping at Walmart and she wanted to have a coffee first at the in-store McDonald's. We left the buggy with her shopping bags in it outside the restaurant. When we came out to retrieve the cart her red bag was missing. We proceeded to do her shopping, keeping an eye on the other shopping carts to see if we could find her stolen bag.

We finished shopping and returned to my car assuming that the bag was gone. We were very surprised to see the bag we thought had been stolen still in the car!!! She forgot that she left her bag there all along. We had quite a laugh about it. Imagine if we had seen someone with the same bag and accused them of stealing it!

3. How has Seniors for Seniors benefited your clients?

Clients appreciate the help they get being driven to appointments, shopping, help around their homes and having someone to talk to, particularly if they are living alone.

4. How has being Seniors for Seniors caregiver enriched your life?

Spending time with men and women in their 80s and 90s has given me a greater appreciation for the challenges that people in this age group face. Hearing stories about "the good old days" as well as the losses they have experienced has enriched my life.

Want to know more about being a Senior Companion? You can visit our employment page here.