Congratulations to Jolanta Waskiel for being named FCS Home Care Aide of the Month for December, 2018! A Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) for seven years, Jolanta received her CHHA training from our registered nurses in 2012 and has been with the agency ever since. She is being recognized for her exemplary service; in particular, caring for a challenging couple with psychosocial issues.

“Jolanta is truly concerned for her clients’ welfare,” explains FCS Director of Nursing Linda MacPherson. “She doesn’t judge or stereotype them. Rather, she imparts compassion. Jolanta is a valuable asset to FCS and we are happy to show her how much we appreciate her.”

When asked what she enjoys most about the job, Jolanta points to the clients she cares for every day.

“I came to this country from Poland right after high school,” Jolanta says. “I left behind my family, my parents and grandparents, and I miss them very much. But now, my clients are like my family.  I am with them every day. We talk about their life experiences, they give me advice and I learn from them.”

For more than 60 years, FCS has provided Home Care Services throughout Monmouth County for elderly, frail and disabled individuals.  The agency currently employees 75 CHHAs and supportive care aides who care for over 169 clients, a majority of whom qualify for home care grant assistance.  All CHHAs work under the guidance and direction of a Registered Nurse and must undergo training in personal care skills, including bathing, dressing, shopping, meal preparation, Range of Motion assistance and a variety of other tasks. The NJ Division of Consumer Affairs requires that all who provide hands-on personal care services be certified.

Jolanta is a mom to two school-aged children. She says when they are older, she would like to return to school become a nurse. “My work as a CHHA is good training for that,” Jolanta explains, “It helps me stretch my mind and gives me a sense of purpose. Education is the key to a better life.”

Congratulations, Jolanta! Our December Aide of the Month!