Frances and Joseph R. have five sons and 14 grandchildren. So when the couple describes someone as “a member of the family,” it’s not something they do lightly — yet that’s exactly how the two refer to their home health aide, Donna Moody.

Donna is a Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA) with Family & Children’s Service Home Care Services, a program that serves nearly 160 seniors and disabled clients, a majority of whom qualify for home care grant assistance from the Monmouth County Division on Aging, Disabilities and Veteran’s Affairs. A 20-year veteran of FCS, Donna is assigned several clients to care for each week. Working under the supervision of a registered nurse who develops a care plan for the client based on their individual needs, Donna may assist with a variety of tasks, from bathing and dressing, to cleaning, grocery shopping and doctor’s visits.

Donna has been caring for Frances and Joseph every morning, five days a week, for the past two years. The couple says Donna, together with the support of FCS Home Care Services, has made their household a safer place, allowing the couple to continue to live at home with independence and dignity.

“Donna is such a caring person. She is always so cheerful and has a smile on her face.” Joseph says. “And she’s always on the lookout for us. If she sees a carpet or something that shouldn’t be there, (a tripping hazard) she’ll point it out and correct it.”

Donna attributes her watchful eye to her CHHA training. In addition to their initial certification, all FCS aides must undergo three in-service trainings per year to maintain their status. The trainings cover topics such as infection control, safe food handling, patient transfers and positioning, as well as the latest techniques for caring for patients with dementia and Alzheimers.

Donna says she enjoys her work and loves getting to know her clients and understand their needs.

“Everybody gets old and needs somebody to take care of them,” Donna says. “I guess I am that somebody. It’s something I am called to do.”

In recognition of Donna’s professionalism, her devotion to her clients and her dedication to the mission of FCS to provide compassionate care to people during challenging times, FCS Home Care Services has named Donna Moody “Aide of the Month” for March. Please join us in congratulating her on this important recognition!