Care Partner of the Month: Jannet Baker-Williams
Care Partner of the Month: Jannet Baker-Williams
“When you love what you do, it’s easy to do it well.”
by Corey Bliss
This month, we honor one of Renewal Care’s most trusted and experienced Care Partners, Jannet Baker-Williams, who will celebrate her 7th anniversary in January. Since 2014, Jannet has made a habit and a practice of going above and beyond for her clients. For her, she says, “it all comes down to trust.”
“My clients become like family to me. I want to make sure that they feel special, and I know that the families appreciate when their loved ones are well cared for,” Jannet says. Appreciation may be a bit of an understatement: Jannet shares that at the end of her shifts, “families often ask me, ‘You’re sure you have to go?’ They don’t want me leave!,” she says with a laugh. “Most of the families I’ve worked with still keep in touch with me – they'll send me a birthday or Christmas card, or just call and see how I’m doing and to thank me for taking such good care of their loved one,” she shares.
Jannet adds a healthy dose of humor and creativity to her person-centered approach with clients. “It’s about entering their world,” she says of engaging with clients living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. One of her current clients is a pianist, so Jannet decided to take it up during their sessions “because she plays, and it’s another way to connect.”
“I don’t know what I’m doing,” she laughs, “but it entertains her, especially when I make a mess of a song – she comes over and shows me how to play it properly.” The intellectual and cognitive stimulation that comes from teaching another person is a key intervention for individuals with neurodegenerative conditions, but for Jannet, it’s simply another expression of her compassionate care for her clients. “It’s important for them to have a sense of purpose,” she explains.
One of her clients who was living with depression liked to fix things around the house, so Jannet made those activities a part of their routine to motivate and invigorate him. “I had him help me put up curtains, rearrange drawers, use a hammer and nail.” He is also a fan of the TV show NCIS, which is also one of Jannet’s favorites. “I would ask him to watch an episode and tell me what happened. He always watched the things I asked him to. It gave him a focus and a goal, and gave us even more to talk about.”
Colorful conversations are a recurring theme in Jannet’s work with her clients. “You have to step outside of the box sometimes,” she says. “I’ll create a scenario that turns into a whole experience for them: getting dressed up and waiting for a limo ride, for example. They feel good about themselves when they comb their hair and put on perfume and makeup. After they’re all ready, I’ll make some tea or ice cream, and we’ll share a treat together.”
Recognizing the importance of sensory experiences for clients in the later stages, Jannet will often prepare a flavorful meal or brew a pot of fragrant herbal tea. “I love pretty plates and I love pretty foods,” she says. “And I love sharing that with my clients.”
Born in Jamaica, Jannet’s background is in administrative management and psychology. She worked for the Jamaican government before moving to Florida in 2006, and relocated to New York in 2010 to help her sister who was recovering from surgery. “I have a huge family,” she shares. “We’re everywhere: Texas, Florida, Connecticut, New York, Canada, England. My one daughter lives in Norway, and my other daughter lives in Jamaica with my two grandsons.”
Jannet’s effusive personality shows in her eclectic interests and tastes. She loves sports, especially basketball – she even once met Shaquille O’Neill. “I met him and I critiqued his game, and he listened – all he could say was ‘yes ma’am, thank you ma’am.’ – and then he hugged me. I’m only 5’3”, so it was like being hugged by a giant.”
“I like to learn, ask questions, and observe,” Jannet shares. “I like to solve things, especially the mysteries on Criminal Minds, Chicago PD, Cold Case – I love all of the forensic shows.” An avid reader, she will read “anything and everything – but it has to be something I’m learning from, something educational.” She also enjoys crossword puzzles, and relaxes by crocheting and sewing.
Jannet’s deep commitment to her clients and pride in her work is palpable. “At the end of each shift, I ask myself, ‘did I do my best? Is there anything I could have done to make the job better?’” That self-assessment goes a long way, she explains. “You don’t have to wait for someone to assess you. You can assess yourself. Because, at the end of the day, you want to make sure you’ve made a difference, no matter how small.”
Thank you, Jannet, for your years of wholehearted dedication to our clients and their families. Cheers to many more!