Judith Pierre-Louis - Angel of the Month, February, 2021
Angel of the Month
ANGEL OF THE MONTH | Judith Pierre-Louis
It is with great pleasure that we announce Judith Pierre-Louis as our Visiting Angels Newton/Canton Angel of the Month for February 2021. Judith just celebrated her first anniversary as part of our team in January. It is rare for a newer caregiver to be nominated and awarded Angel of the Month, but Judith quickly showed our clients and us why she is considered the “dream caregiver.”
“She is a True Angel,” Case Manager Elizabeth Quagraine said. “Judith is punctual, and she is professional. She never complains about distance or the degree of difficulty of a case. She communicates in advance when she requires time-off, updates the case manager about the changes in the client’s needs, and can handle any case presented to her. Our clients and their families consistently praise her.”
Judith has strong dementia care experience. Combined with her patience and loving attitude, Visiting Angel’s clients who have dementia or Alzheimer’s disease benefit from their time with her. When asked if she had advice for others, she shared, “It is essential to explain what you are doing each step of the way,” she said. “It is important to be gentle and repetitive. Talk to your client. I find that speaking to my clients, explaining every detail to them, especially those with dementia, provides them with some ease and reassurance. Having patience is key. If you are kind, patient, and communicate with someone, they will be much more receptive and feel secure. My current client and I engage in activities, such as playing games, puzzles, or watching television. I make sure that I am in eye-sight and by their side as much as possible.”
Born in Haiti, Judith moved to the Dominican Republic as a young woman to pursue a hospitality career while also working as a translator. Judith speaks English, French, Spanish, and Creole. On January 12, 2010, when a devastating earthquake rocked her home country, Judith felt compelled to return and do what she could to help those in need. For two years, she worked for the Haitian government as a nurse’s assistant, helping earthquake victims of all ages before returning to the Dominican Republic. Judith and her family moved to Tampa, Florida, before settling in Massachusetts. Her husband, who was a CNA at the time, encouraged Judith to become a caregiver. She began her professional career in homecare and worked for two years in Florida before relocating to Massachusetts. Judith obtained her HHA certification and worked for other agencies until a friend of their family recommended that she apply to Visiting Angels Newton/Canton for a caregiver job. We are so thankful she called and joined our team!
Judith has so many of the qualities that make a great caregiver. She does not like being idle. She is organized, consistent, and follows through on all tasks required. Judith is most content when she is working. “I am the happiest when I can help someone else feel happy,” Judith said. “It is in my nature to want to assist others. When I care for an older person, I see my elders. I see my loved ones when I look into my clients’ eyes. I treat them as I would want my elders treated.”
Director of Client Services, Julie McBain, described her appreciation for Judith. “She is outstanding. We asked her to fill-in on a case, and Judith quickly accepted after checking her availability. She was prompt, warm, and extremely professional. I received outstanding reviews from our client immediately after she left.”
Judith thinks the Visiting Angels Newton/Canton team is amazing. “The staff truly cares about me,” she said. “If there is bad weather on the day of my shift, I know I will get a call or a text from a staff member checking on my wellbeing. They work around my schedule and ensure that I am compatible with my clients. I love working with Elizabeth, who is the case manager for my present client. She is so attentive and incredibly professional.”
When Judith is not working, she enjoys cooking, cleaning, and watching her favorite television shows. She loves to spend time with her husband, son, and two daughters, one of whom is preparing to go to nursing school. Judith is looking forward to quality time in-person with her father and extended family when it is safe.
Judith embodies all that we look for when choosing a caregiver to be highlighted for their exemplary work. It is truly an honor to award Judith Pierre-Louis Angel of the Month for February 2021. Thank you for providing outstanding care to our clients.
We look forward to working with you for years to come.