Vicki Bailiff Brings Holiday Cheer to Clients
Earns National Caregiver of the Year Honors
Congratulations to Vicki Bailiff on her recognition as 2023 National Caregiver of the Year! This is the highest honor Right at Home awards to a caregiver, and this year, we are proud to present it to Vicki for her exemplary commitment to the company’s mission: to improve the quality of life for those we serve.
Vicki’s compassion, selflessness, and willingness to go above and beyond have made her a valued member of Right at Home and a beloved caregiver for seniors in her community.
Vicki had planned to spend a recent Christmas Day holiday with her family and friends. But when she learned other caregivers had also requested the day off, she began to worry that many clients without loved ones nearby would be alone on the holiday. That’s when she decided she would be the one to bring those clients an abundance of holiday cheer.
Vicki put on her Santa hat and stopped by each client’s home with a small gift and a stocking filled with goodies she baked and wrapped. She spent time with every client. They talked, took selfies, and enjoyed hot cocoa and homemade cookies.
“That was such a wonderful surprise to our clients—and to us,” said Raouf Agrignan, owner of Right at Home West Des Moines, Iowa. “Vicki is always looking for ways to bring happiness and cheer to all of our clients. This was such a special act of care and love that I know our client families will never forget.”
Vicki doesn’t just bring happiness and cheer to others on holidays. It’s a part of Vicki’s everyday caregiving. Whenever she meets a new client, she brings in goodies to share during their introductory visit. It’s a small gesture with a big impact. Vicki says, “Food is a way to everyone’s heart.”
And when big gestures are needed, she covers those too. Vicki recently helped a client visit his spouse’s gravesite, which he had been unable to do for more than eight years. Due to physical limitations, he had been unable to get transportation 40 minutes out of town where the cemetery is located. Vicki made sure to schedule enough time for the travel and visit at the gravesite. The client was so happy. He called the office to personally thank Vicki and let the office staff know just how lucky they are to have her as a caregiver. Now he sends Vicki a holiday card every year.
“Vicki goes the extra mile each and every time she is with a client,” said Christina Richter. Director of Operations of the Right at Home West Des Moines office. “She is always putting the needs and happiness of our clients first. She makes them feel appreciated, and we hope she knows how much we all appreciate her.”
Clients are not the only ones who appreciate Vicki’s dedication to caregiving.
“She shows up on time, stays late if needed, shows great compassion and empathy for her clients and their families, and does what it takes to bring happiness to their day, every day,” said Richter. “Our office is extremely proud of Vicki. “She is very deserving of this incredible honor, and we couldn’t be more thankful to have her as part of the Right at Home team!"
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.