Committed to providing the best care for his clients, Rafael Benavides exemplifies what it means to provide high-quality care, showing deep compassion for every one of his clients by going above and beyond when catering to their everyday needs.
Rafael Benavides is a caregiver with BrightStar Care Santa Barbara, one of the nation’s leading private-duty home care and medical staffing franchises.
Each year BrightStar Care® recognizes one employee who has delivered the highest quality care by honoring them with the Caregiver of the Year award. Recipients are nominated by families and clients of BrightStar Care.
Rafael Benavides is a first-time regional nominee and first-time national winner. As BrightStar Care’s national winner, Benavides will receive a $5,000 scholarship to use towards his continued education.
Benavides received a heartfelt nomination letter from his client’s husband, Laddie, who highlighted how much of a difference Rafael has made in his wife’s life. In 2018, his client had multiple falls, medical issues and eight hospitalizations. On his first day, Rafael was gentle with his client and attentive to her needs. He came in each day with a positive attitude, encouraging his client and providing her the best care.
Laddie credits Rafael for improving his wife’s attitude and outlook on life and mentions that falls and hospitalizations haven’t occurred since Rafael began providing care. “It’s his approach that differentiates Rafael. He is truly head and shoulders above the rest,” he said.
“Rafael’s touching and heartwarming nomination letter is one of the many reasons our clients have put their trust in BrightStar Care over the years,” said Shelly Sun, CEO and Founder of BrightStar Care. “We’re delighted to recognize Rafael Benavides’ dedication to his clients and provide the honor of being this year’s Caregiver of the Year as he exemplifies what it means to put your clients first and provide the highest quality of care.”
https://www.brightstarfranchising.com/home-care/
Q&A with Rafael Benavides
Franchising USA: What led you to pursue a career in senior care giving?
RB: I decided to pursue a career in caregiving because I was inspired by a doctor and I have always had a passion for helping others that are in need. I was then offered an opportunity to start my career in an elder care facility and that’s where my love for caregiving began.
Franchising USA: Why did you start working for BrightStar Care?
RB: I met one of the owners of BrightStar Care Santa Barbara when the location first opened. I loved how the owners ran the business and shortly after I was recruited to join the team.
Franchising USA: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
RB: The most rewarding part of my job is being able to care for those who have challenges and provide them with the highest quality of care. Caring for others requires consistency, strength and empathy and I believe you need to have that in order to be a great caregiver.
Franchising USA: Tell us how you help your clients.
RB: I cater to each of my clients differently as their needs vary case by case. I make sure to put myself in their place and provide them the level of care I would want for myself or a loved one. I also go farther than just providing basic medical care, I take them to all appointments and also make them dinner. I’m always happy to stay late to ensure my clients are happy and healthy!