Written by Amber Merten

Meet Shirley, Caregiver of the Month! Shirley’s journey in caregiving started early in life and has been marked by deep compassion and dedication. She is dependable and goes over and beyond in her dedication to her clients and in every aspect of her career.

A Lifetime of Caregiving

Shirley’s passion for caregiving began when her brother was born with disabilities. As a young girl, she assisted her mother in caring for him, and this early experience planted the seeds of her lifelong vocation. Her caregiving journey continued as she helped her mother care for her father until his passing, and later provided care for her mother during her final days.

Shirley’s mother’s words, “You are good at what you do,” were a turning point. Encouraged by this affirmation, Shirley pursued a career in caregiving, a path she has followed for over 30 years.

A Specialist and Mentor

Not only is Shirley an exceptional Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), but she is also a wound care specialist. Her expertise and dedication have made her a valuable asset in her field. Shirley’s commitment to excellence extends beyond her own work; she also trains Registered Nurses at Florida State, sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of those in healthcare.

Compassion in Every Moment

For Shirley, the most challenging aspect of caregiving is witnessing the suffering of her clients. However, she is determined to be a comforting presence during their most vulnerable moments. Shirley ensures that her clients are not alone as they transition, offering prayers and heartfelt support.

One touching example of her impact is a client she cared for briefly. Despite the short duration, Shirley formed a deep bond with the client and his family. The client was so moved by her care that he left a card for Shirley to be delivered after his passing, a testament to the profound difference she made in his life and families lives.

Words of Wisdom

Shirley’s advice to future caregivers is simple yet profound: “You must love people in order to work with them.” Her career exemplifies this philosophy, as her compassion and dedication shine through in every part of her work. Shirley said, “I enjoy my job and I’m not in it for the money. I want someone to take care of me like I do with them”. She goes on to explain how it’s important to her to make the end of her client’s lives happy. She goes to work each day with the goal of putting a smile on her client’s face.

A Proud Member of SYNERGY HomeCare

Shirley loves working with SYNERGY HomeCare, where her skills and passion are valued and appreciated. At SYNERGY HomeCare Shirley appreciates how the owners are understanding and listen. They work as a team and are great at placing caregivers with compatible clients. SYNERGY HomeCare is honored to have Shirley as part of our team and celebrate her incredible contributions to the lives of those she cares for. Shirley’s story is a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated and compassionate caregivers can have. Her life’s work continues to inspire us all. To find the right Care Professional for your family, reach out to SYNERGY HomeCare today.