Home Instead crowns its CAREgiver of the year

James Perez has been named the 2018 CAREgiver for his dedication to helping others during his time at Home Instead Senior Care.

Each year, the North American CAREgiver of the Year recognises people who have made outstanding contributions to their communities, and this year James Perez from Home Instead Senior Care has been given the prestigious title.

Home Instead Senior Care nominated Perez for his lifelong dedication to the people he supports. He was chosen from some 70,000 of its professional caregivers in North America.

Perez, who served in the Vietnam War, joined Home Instead Senior Care following years in the military and working as a musician. He came to the career after learning the basics of caregiving while volunteering at a children’s hospital where the patients were suffering from burn injuries. Perez has since given 20 years of his life to help others through Home Instead.

Not only has Perez helped his clients with their day-to-day needs, he has formed strong bonds with them and delivered exceptional standards of care. Joe Sanders from Home Instead Senior Care said of James Perez’s achievements, “James is one of a kind. He is compassionate and incredibly caring. I believe there is no greater heart than that of a CAREgiver, and James is no exception. James demonstrates kind-heartedness countless times every day, allowing us to deliver the highest quality care to our clients”.

The way Perez speaks of the award demonstrates why he was nominated and went on to win it. He simply explained that he was thankful for his clients and the opportunity to become fulfilled through his care work, as he says, “it is truly an honour to be recognised for this work.

Caregiving is extremely gratifying and really enriches my life. I’m glad I have the time and ability to share compassion and care with others.”

James Perez works for Home Instead Senior Care, a franchise network that provides excellent home care services for older adults. The company employs more than 70,000 CAREgivers worldwide – the official name it gives to its employees who support older people in their communities.