Care Pro Spotlight: Jocelyn Tan
Jocelyn started her career as a finance consultant and worked in various industries for almost 30 years before deciding to join Homage as a caregiver. Surviving colon cancer since the year 2000 prompted her to ‘pay it forward’ after retirement by giving back to society, and Homage has enabled her in making that desire a reality.
In the picture: CP Jocelyn
Why did you join Homage?
Caregiving is one way to give back to society, and I am pleased to be able to assist elders in need.
My initial objective is to assist in an elderly home, but considering the skills that I had, it seemed impossible. Homage then enters the scene, providing all the necessary training and development programs for us to kick-start the career.
Even though I am only a freelancer, Homage has been a great support in guiding and supporting me with any inquiries or difficulties that I may encounter – this has kept me going!
How has working with Homage shaped your professional or personal journey as a Care Professional?
Hands-on caring experience taught me that while conceptually understanding caregiving skills is simple, in practice, it takes more than that. Caregiving abilities are “technical” in the sense that they may be learned and perfected by practice; nonetheless, the soft skill is more significant.
Working with Homage allows me to improve two of my soft skills: patience and mindfulness. When caring for a CR, we should feel empathy rather than sympathy, and the most effective technique is sincerity; treat them truly, and care for them as I would any loved one, with compassion and respect.
What inspired or motivated you to be a caregiver?
I believe in Mother Teresa’s amazing saying, “Not all of us can do big things in this world, but we can do small things with great love.” Caregiving is more than just a job; it requires deep passion, empathy, and sincerity.
Being a cancer survivor has made me realize that if I really want to do something, I am going to go and do it and not put it off because I am given a second chance at life.
-Care Pro Jocelyn
What kind of activity do you usually do with the seniors to keep them engaged?
It depends. I will play YouTube and get the seniors who are not as dedicated in their regular activity to stretch a little. I’ll also take them for a stroll or pay them a visit to their siblings or relatives. It’s always nice to catch up with family and friends. For those who enjoy making kuih, we will organize ahead of time to gather the materials and then experiment with several forms of kuih. I will take seniors who enjoy eating on a food hunt. I’ll play a mantra for people who are religious (be it Christian, Buddhist, or Hinduism) as a way to feed their souls. For those who appreciate music, I’ll surf YouTube for oldies, sit back, and simply enjoy the songs together with them!
In the end, it is not about what we want them to do, but rather about what they feel comfortable doing. What they want to do, but owing to our limits, we can only assist and support them.
They have, in my opinion, fulfilled their responsibilities in all positions when they were young. They are themselves at this age. We simply need to appreciate and listen to what they desire and then support them gently.
What is the most impactful or memorable experience you had taking care of a Care Recipient?
I’ll never forget hearing simple words of thanks from the families I care for; “Thank God you’re here!” and “I appreciate God for bringing you to us.” It made me realize how much of an impact I’ve had on their lives rather than they do to me.
My two most unforgettable experiences as a Care Professional in Homage were when, after months of reluctance, one of the CRs consented to allow me to assist her with bathing and another CR began to recover from his grief following the death of his spouse.
Being a Care Professional in Homage makes me feel good about myself, when I look in the mirror, I feel like I see an angel without wings. My desire to give back to society has finally come true.
– Care Pro Jocelyn
Was there a time where you went the extra mile to care for a Care Recipient?
I assisted the senior in rearranging their living environment, so that they can have bigger space to move around, reduced falling/knocking hazards, eliminated locking risks by loosening the latch’s screws, and shared good words to spiritually and intellectually inspire CRs. I had fun!
If you could describe your experience as a Care Professional in 5 different words, what would it be?
Patience, observance, compassion, enthusiasm, and visionalize.
-Care Pro Jocelyn
Offering Primary Caregivers Respite and Support
Homage has many caregivers from different walks of life with the common goal to help seniors and adults in their road to recovery. Our home care and support is aimed at empowering them to continue living healthy, fulfilling lives. At Homage, working as a Care Professional grants you a wide array of opportunities and advantages:
- Stay flexible with a better work-life balance as a freelance, part-time or full-time Care Professional
- Receive a stable income or competitive salary package that corresponds to their knowledge, skillset, and experience
- Gain opportunities to work with us regularly and tier up in your career pathway as a Care Professional
- Upgrade your skills with holistic and specialised training and certifications from our training partners and in-house specialists
