Michelle Gaughran Provides Care in Time of Need
Earns Right at Home Mid-Atlantic Region Caregiver of the Year
Congratulations to Michelle Gaughran from Right at Home Virginia Beach, on her recognition as the 2023 Right at Home Mid-Atlantic Region Caregiver of the Year! She was selected from thousands of other caregivers for her exemplary commitment to making a difference in the lives of her clients and team members.
“What makes Michelle so special is her loyalty, dependability, and commitment to creating incredible personal experiences for every one of her clients,” said Terra Dehler, Branch Director of Right at Home Virginia Beach. “She takes on new challenges and looks for ways she can make a positive impact every day.”
The husband of one of Michelle’s clients was placed in a facility after a fall. Michelle took her client to the facility every day to visit him. When he passed away, Michelle was there to support her client through the tough time, including attending the funeral and being with her every day thereafter.
The client’s children saw the impact Michelle was making on their mother. Rather than move their mom closer to home, the children were confident that Michelle was taking the best care of their mom, helping her continue to live in her own home where she felt closer to her husband. Now, Michelle takes her client to the cemetery so she can visit her husband.
“Michelle has, on more than one occasion, changed her priorities and adjusted time frames to ensure her clients are cared for,” said Dehler. “She has never said no to a change to the schedule.”
Michelle’s adaptability to change helps her fellow office colleagues manage caregiving schedules. From being early to shifts to take clients to the doctor to accommodating full-time, seven-days-a-week care for a client transitioning home from the hospital, the office team knows they can count on Michelle to be there and make each experience the very best for Right at Home clients.
Michelle encourages her clients to have fun, and sometimes that means thinking outside the box to come up with creative things to do. Her unique craft ideas help clients with socialization, cognition and memory and improve their spirits. Michelle has even picked up an interest in bird-watching, as it is one of her client’s favorite pastimes. The two spend hours pointing out cardinals, tufted titmice, and ducks and making jokes about their different habits and bad behaviors.
In these moments, Michelle is providing exactly the care and comfort her clients need and positively impacting their lives. Whether picking up a hobby such as bird-watching or providing extra emotional support, Michelle goes above and beyond to care for her clients like family.
Michelle’s compassion, selflessness and willingness to go the extra mile have made her a valued member of Right at Home and a beloved caregiver for seniors in the Virginia Beach community.
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.