Susanne Bright, HCAOA Caregiver of the Year Nominee

Susanne Bright has been a valuable and loyal member of our Home Matters Beaverton caregiving team since June 2018.  For the past six years, Susanne has served a wide range of Home Matters clients in their home and within the Portland community.  Being a healthcare professional, Susanne’s skills range from companion care, medication administration, hospice end of life care with everything in between.  As a leader in the care industry, Susanne puts her clients first and her heart into everything she does.  Not only do her clients and family members consistently praise her performance, but our entire staff enjoys working with her.  Susanne is a first responder and takes pride in taking care of those that can’t take care of themselves.  During her interview over six years ago, Susanne had just taken care of her husband through his end of life.  When asked her why she wanted to work as a caregiver after going through the hardship of her husband and at the age of 72, she replied, “I still have more to give.”

Susanne’s Impact

Susanne’s impact on our clients and their families has been immeasurable. She has been a daily companion, a trusted friend and a comforting hand to hold during someone’s last days. She views caregiving as not just a job but a purpose.  Susanne goes above and beyond for every client she serves.  Not only providing for their physical needs but caring for them as a whole person.  She has positively impacted the quality of life for her clients by fostering connection and promoting their independence, ensuring they can stay in their home longer. Susanne brings purpose to her client’s days engaging them in favorite activities and ensuring their autonomy is recognized. She impacts the families of her clients by allowing them the time they need to rest and recharge while knowing their loved one is safe and happy in Susanne’s care. She has also provided a lasting impact to many families by bringing comfort and peace during a client’s last moments, ensuring that family can just be family during those precious moments.

A Family Report

“Hellooo!!” rings out the familiar voice of caregiver, Susanne Bright, when she arrives for her visit. Her enthusiastic greeting is the perfect start to my day.

Since I had a fall which resulted in a concussion and a broken hip, my once active lifestyle has been curtailed. Vision problems keep me out of the car’s driver’s seat and balance issues affect my ability to move around the kitchen to prepare food. Because I am now more isolated, having time with Susanne lifts my spirits as well as making life easier. “Are you ready for avocado toast?”, she asks before setting out the ingredients for my favorite breakfast. While she prepares my tasty breakfast spread, we catch up and discuss plans for the day.

Susanne is very flexible. She responds to whatever my request is, from blow-drying my hair to doing laundry, all the while offering cheery support. She is a safe person with whom I can share my hopes and challenges as we go through the day. Susanne tells me she loves her clients and she loves her job. It is that factor that shines through everything she does. She is a wonderful companion and I am so lucky and grateful to have her in my life!”

-Susan S., client

“When getting started with the caregiving experience, I expected a few hiccups as we found the right match. This did not happen as we found our match with Susanne first thing!  She was dependable, took initiative, listened and most of all was a kind, thoughtful and loving caregiver. I highly recommend both Home Matters and Susanne.”

-Patti S., daughter

Qualities

Loyal with the highest level of work ethic: Susanne rarely misses a day with her clients.

Dedicated: Susanne’s clients and their family come first.

Loved: The senior population we serve holds Susanne in the highest regard.  Our clients are constantly praising not only the care she provides but her motivation behind it.  She provides services with dignity and respect always keeping the person in mind as an individual.  Susanne exemplifies what it means to be a Professional Caregiver.