For two years, Deborah Hucks worked as a cook in an assisted living facility. It was a good job, and one she enjoyed, but she knew she wanted to do more. “I wanted to get out of the kitchen and be in a place where I was more hands on with the patients,” Deborah says. “I knew what I was doing was important work, but I wanted to be somewhere I could make a real difference in other people’s lives.”

Deborah found what she was looking for at Piedmont Home Care. She applied for a caregiver position after being encouraged by a friend about a year ago, and since then she has completely fallen in love with the job. “Piedmont Home Care is one of the best places I’ve worked,” Deborah says. “They really take care of you as an employee, but also this job gave me the chance to work one-on-one with people and help them when they need it most.”

Deborah’s current client is a 97-year-old woman who even though she is bedridden, her spirits are strong. “If she had strength in her legs, I swear you wouldn’t be able to keep that woman in her bed,” Deborah says. “She’s a real go-getter, and sharp as a tack.” The two women enjoy each other’s company, talking about their families, watching TV together and just enjoying each other’s company. “We have a lot in common, we just click,” Deborah says. One thing the two women share is a love for sweets. “One of her favorites is cake, so whenever I can I bring us a treat to share,” Deborah says.

Deborah’s experience caring for others comes in part from helping her brother during the end stages of throat cancer. “When he got diagnosed with cancer it was really hard on our whole family,” Deborah says. “But for me, we were best friends. I was the one he wanted to care from him at the end, and it was hard, but I knew I had to do it.”

Deborah learned that patience and compassion go a long way toward making people feel comfortable, even when they’re in very uncomfortable situations, and she brings that talent to her job at Piedmont Health Care.

Having Deborah around is a big comfort to the family. Her current client is facing some of the early symptoms of dementia, and having someone with her allows her to stay at home, even at times when she gets anxious or confused. “Once in a while she gets agitated, and I just talk with her, calm her down, and let her know she’s safe at home,” Deborah says. “I know it helps when you have a relationship with each other, and because I’ve built that bond with my client, she trusts me to care for her.”

It’s people like Deborah that make Piedmont Home Care successful, and allow us to bring our services to the community. If you have a loved one who needs assistance in order to live safely at home, call (336) 724-1197 today to see what services we can provide to help meet your family’s needs.