At Opal Stork Home Care, we want our clients to have the most positive experience. This starts by solely using the best caregivers to provide high-quality care. We prioritize matching caregivers with clients based on health needs, caregiver expertise, personality traits, and interests. Our caregivers are critical to Opal Stork Home Care's success. They exemplify our mission of care, compassion, and commitment in everything that we do. One year ago, Novadine (Nova) joined the Opal Stork family and has been a model caregiver ever since. In this week's Caregiver Spotlight we would like to highlight Nova for setting the standard on what it means to experience the Stork difference in care service.
How did you hear about Opal Stork Home Care?
I was referred by a friend who was already working for Opal Stork as a caregiver. I accepted the opportunity once I met Sandra (the owner). I was impressed that she cares about the happiness of her staff. She understands that if you have happy staff, you will have happy clients. What sets Opal Stork apart from any job I have worked at before is that they are consistent, caring, and professional.
What made you consider working as a caregiver?
I’ve had two dreams in my life. The first was to work in the hotel industries, which I did for over 30-years. Now, I feel like I am living my other dream. I enjoy caregiving more than I enjoy the hotels, it is something that is close to my heart.
Wow, 30 years! What was life like working for the hotel industry?
I started out as a bathroom cleaner and by my second year, I was a manager, in charge of 235 rooms, and leading a staff of 35. I worked all over the world for various 5-star hotels. Arizona was one of my favorite places to go to because it didn’t snow and I was able to see the Grand Canyon, Rainbow Bridge, and Zion National Park. I enjoyed that work but there comes a time where you have to stay put.
What do you love the most about caregiving?
Initially, I loved taking care of my mom. The feeling that I got from that made me emotional because I knew that I was making a difference in her life. Sometimes you go on some of these jobs and the elderly do not talk, they don’t laugh, they don’t smile. My job is to be there for them so that they can feel safe around me. I do this job from the heart and it makes me happy to know that I’m making a difference in people's lives.
Do you have any advice for someone who is considering becoming a caregiver?
Caregiving comes from the heart so you have to have a heart filled with love, compassion, and understanding. The job can get overwhelming but if you have the good intention to help people it makes you feel good.
What’s something that most people would not know about you?
I am a Christian, I love to pray, my faith is strong and I believe that anything I put my mind to do I can do it. Taking care of the elderly is what I was ordained to do and what I will do until I decide to retire.
In one word or more, how would you describe Opal Stork Home Care?
Professional, understanding. You can always rely on the staff because there is always someone available to help. It gives me great pride to represent this agency.