Julie Collins Provides Extraordinary Care
and Earns Right at Home Midwest Region Caregiver of the Year
Congratulations to Julie Collins from Right at Home West Des Moines, Iowa, on her recognition as the 2024 Right at Home Midwest Region Caregiver of the Year! She was selected from among thousands of other caregivers for her exemplary commitment to making a difference in the lives of her clients and team members.
“Julie is not only a caregiver to my mother, but she is truly a part of our family,” said Yvonne Burrell, daughter of a Right at Home client.
What has made Julie a part of the Burrell family is how she cares for their mother and grandmother, Nancy, as if Nancy were Julie's own mother. With each visit, Julie energetically and enthusiastically greets Nancy with a “Hey, momma!” to which Nancy replies, “There’s my girl!”
Nancy has dementia. Julie often arrives early for her shift so she can start the day having a casual conversation with Nancy while she finishes breakfast or so Julie can get items laid out so they are ready for the day. This is helpful on the days when Nancy is feeling confused or overwhelmed by her dementia. These little things are how Julie brightens Nancy’s day and brings her back into a state of comfort.
“I am so proud to have Julie as part of our care team,” said Raouf Agrignan, owner of Right at Home West Des Moines. “She is committed to providing the very best care to her clients, which puts them and their families at ease. She is very deserving of this incredible honor.”
Caring for family often means going out of one’s way to ensure their health and safety and picking up on details that bring them joy. This is exactly the level of personal care that Julie provides to Nancy. For example, Julie knows Nancy loves Christmas and seeing the Christmas tree. The day after Thanksgiving, after providing care to Nancy, Julie pulled the tree from storage and set it up. She was not asked to do this, but she knew seeing the Christmas lights would bring Nancy joy.
“Julie’s care for her clients comes from her heart,” said Christina Richter, director of Right at Home West Des Moines. “Her work ethic is incredibly strong. Families often see her as an extension of their family. She is a shining example of what every caregiver should be.”
Julie’s compassion, selflessness, and willingness to go the extra mile for Nancy and all of her clients have made her a valued member of Right at Home and a beloved caregiver for seniors in the West Des Moines area.
Honoring Our Caregivers
National and Regional Caregivers of the Year are the highest honors awarded by Right at Home. Caregivers are nominated for their exemplary commitment to making a difference in the lives of their clients and teams. The winners are selected by a committee that includes Right at Home representatives and community professionals from outside health care, senior care and caregiving organizations. The award is presented annually during the organization’s conference.