Spotlight on Service:
CAREGiver Julie Natoli
Julie Natoli is a mom on a mission. Four years ago she was laid-off from an
unfulfilling, hi-stress job that provided no meaning. “I wanted to do something that had
meaning; something I could do at night so I could spend my days with my son,” said
Julie. Enter Home Instead Senior Care.
Answering a newspaper ad, Julie came to Home Instead after spending many years
caring for her grandmother who’d suffered a stroke. Then, just after becoming a
CAREGiver, Julie’s father was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. What she didn’t
know then is that her need to “make a difference,” would not only drive her CAREGiver career, but also lead her into a path of community ministry.
“Being a CAREGiver has absolutely helped me have more patience—definitely,” notes
Julie. “It makes me feel like I’m making a difference. It led me to where I am as a supervisor of Faith Kitchen for City Reach Church. Now, I’ve taken on the role of Director of the Reading Branch of Network of Hope which includes a food pantry, soup
kitchen and work detail for the Hope Home. I believe it was the skills I have as a
CAREGiver that brought me to these new roles. The patience, compassion and listening skills of a CAREGiver work well in any leadership role.”
When asked what her favorite part of CAREGiving is, surprisingly, it’s hospice cases.
“People outside of caregiving think you’re crazy when you say that,” said Julie, “but
making a difference at the end of life is rewarding. I think my spiritual beliefs also help
me in hospice care.”
While death is a very difficult aspect of CAREGiving, Julie finds it can be rewarding in
the lessons it provides. “It’s a love-hate thing; you’re grateful that the Client is at
peace, but you don’t want them to go. You get attached and I think a good CAREGiver does get attached—how could you not?”
Most important to being a good CAREGiver, noted Julie, is patience, understanding,
compassion and kindness. And, she noted, “I think you, at least with certain cases,
need to grow a thick skin and learn that it’s the condition or the disease and not the
person you’re caring for.” The case that taught Julie this lesson still brings tears each
time she recalls it.
“I had a client that was really difficult due to dementia. I would talk to my pastor at
the end of my shifts because I was so wrung out. Then, this poor man had a very painful passing and I just broke down. I asked my pastor why God would make this man
suffer even in death. My pastor told me ‘this is a lesson for you. Remember how difficult you found this man to be? Look now how you’re crying over him.’ THAT was a
huge learning experience for me,” said Julie.
The flip side of CAREGiving are the happy times. Julie most loves hearing stories, seeing the smiles and the gratefulness. CAREGiving has also opened up Julie’s eyes on the
need to prepare for aging. Before coming to Home Instead, Julie (like many others)
wasn’t aware of how important planning and preparedness are or that there are care
options available. She has worked with both of her parents to ensure that they com-
Spotlight on Service is published by Home Instead Senior Care-Berks County. If you would like more information about our services,
please e-mail [email protected] or call 610-372-2500. Visit us on the web at www.homeinstead.com/554.
To us it’s personal.
municate their wishes to her and take the steps necessary to carry them out.
People considering the field of CAREGiving should have a good intuitive sense, suggested Julie. “If you’re a good CAREGiver and listen to what the Client’s needs really are, everything else falls into place. And,” she added, “be on time. Timeliness is important for you, the Client and the CAREGiver that follows you on shift.”
For this busy mom, CAREGiving is a career that has allowed her to enjoy motherhood, change lives and live her
spirituality. “(CAREGiving) is fulfilling. You’re making a difference; making their lives easier.” With joy, patience and
an everyone matters attitude, CAREGiver Julie Natoli has found a way to have it all. Through good days and bad,
professionally and personally, Julie has found a way to meld her compassion, caring and consecration into a career
and a calling.
Home Instead Senior Care-Berks County
2213 Quarry Drive, Suite 102
West Lawn, PA 19609
To learn more about the award-winning services provided by Home Instead Senior Care-Berks County, please contact our office at
610-372-2500 or visit us on line at www.homeinstead.com/554.