June Caregiver Ambassador of the Month from Indianapolis
Senior Home Companions is delighted to celebrate our June Caregiver Ambassador of the Month, Tracy Tatge. Recommended by Jamie Adair, Tracy marks the inaugural honoree from our partner organization Angels Senior Home Solutions. Tracy has dedicated herself as an Angels companion caregiver in Indianapolis for over three years. Photo: Tracy Tatge (left) and Client Coordinator, Barb Lockard (right).
Exceptional Client Support
Jamie, who nominated Tracy, describes her as "an exceptional caregiver." Tracy delivers care for a 24/7 client living with dementia, and she has earned his complete trust. "Her gentle voice, thoughtful approach, and the strong connection she's developed with him are truly extraordinary," Jamie shared.
Tracy maintains steady communication with the client, his family, and the Angels Senior Home Solutions team in Indianapolis to keep his care individualized and current. "Tracy eagerly guides new caregivers working with this client," Jamie shared. "She's also assisted me in revising his care plan with comprehensive instructions to help new caregivers provide exceptional support."
Exceeding Expectations
Supporting elderly individuals with dementia or cognitive challenges can be demanding, but Tracy has developed an amazing rapport with her primary client in Indianapolis. "They take daily strolls during her shifts to ensure he receives fresh air," Jamie mentioned in Tracy's nomination.
"She's prepared and brought homemade holiday meals for him. She consistently exceeds expectations in her daily caregiving." It's evident that she has formed a meaningful bond with this client, bringing additional joy to his everyday routine. "Our client anticipates Tracy's scheduled visits and values their time together," Jamie observed.
A Meaningful Connection
Tracy's compassionate approach to dementia care stems from her personal experience with memory challenges. "I supported my father during his final 11 years," she shared. "He experienced short-term memory difficulties from Korsakoff's syndrome."
She also supported her grandmother until her passing, which sparked her genuine passion for senior care. "I have a deep affection for helping older adults," Tracy shared. "There's something special about supporting seniors, and I know it's my purpose."
Supporting the Community
Through our enhanced Caregiver Ambassador program for 2021, each honored caregiver selects an Indiana nonprofit to receive a donation in their honor. "I selected the Alzheimer's Association," Tracy explains, "because my current client lives with Alzheimer's, and this cause is deeply meaningful to me."
When asked for guidance for aspiring caregivers in Indianapolis or surrounding areas, Tracy offered her sincere perspective. "Give everything you have," she suggested. "Open your heart completely and support them as if they were your own grandparents or loved ones. Provide them with the respect you'd want and put genuine love into your work."
Would you like to recommend your caregiver in Indianapolis, Central Indiana, or other Indiana regions for our upcoming Caregiver Ambassador of the Month? Simply scroll down to locate the nomination form on our Resources page or download the PDF directly. Please submit completed forms to Nicole Bieker at nbieker@shcindiana.com, or reach out to Human Resources for help at (317) 918-7168.
