09/11/2024
A message to our CAREGivers from Myles, given at the final CAREGiver meeting:
Almost fifteen years ago, Gin and I held our first CAREGiver meeting in a somewhat less refined location, some of you will remember the dodgy old “mansion” in Sunnybank. Today, we hold our last. The symmetry feels right, because you - our CAREGivers - have always been the heart and soul of Home Instead.
When we started, we never imagined how much of an impact running our Home Instead offices would have on our family. Gin and I are both incredibly proud of the part our two sons Max & Jett have played in this journey. Max was 10 & Jett 5 when we got started and now Max has just finished his first year of a psychology degree having already completed a diploma in music production and Jett is about to embark on an educational journey to become a nurse.
They have both worked in the business in varying capacities and have been exemplary employees always trying their hardest to do their roles to the highest possible standards. I'm sure Jett will be a valuable addition to the Toowong office, and I know Max is looking forward to working in a new field as he follows his ever-developing dreams.
I doubt either would have pursued such career paths had it not been for the lessons they've learned about the pleasure caring for other people brings. I would like to thank both for the support they have provided us over the good and the difficult times we have all faced together. The levels of maturity and compassion they have displayed throughout the journey are remarkable and we have great faith that they will add a lot to society as they continue their lives. Many of you have played a part in helping them develop, and we truly thank you for that too.
Just the other night over dinner we were discussing life and careers, and when Jett asked about working with a life partner, I reflected on how challenging yet rewarding this journey has been. It takes exceptional trust, communication, and love to run a business together - something Gin and I were fortunate to have. Being in roles responsible for the lives of the most vulnerable during multiple city floods and COVID, really tested the boundaries of our inner strength.
The stress of running a business that operates 24/7, 365 days a year is relentless and as many of you know, it can have a devastating effect on one's mental health. It has been no secret that I have endured poor mental health this year that resulted in a stint in a psychiatric hospital. Words can barely explain the level of gratitude I have for the support Gin, Max & Jett have provided me in this tumultuous year. I would also like to thank all those of you who have reached out to me in support, and for the care you have also provided Gin, Max & Jett.
I came into this business a capitalist and had lofty financial goals, and I leave it an anti-capitalist with life goals clearly focused on deeply meaningful relationships, a keen desire to have minimal impact on this beautiful planet and with the knowledge that I am at my happiest when I am selflessly helping others and looking after my physical and mental well-being.
Our journey with all of you and the team members who have come before you, has been very impactful on our lives. It has also been very personal; just this last weekend we were at our ex-employee, Donna-Jo's (DJ's), wedding and we have also sadly been to a funeral of an incredible CAREGiver (Thelma) during our time running the business. We've had staff that had babies, some who have gone through serious health issues, others who have lost close relatives and many who have faced other great adversities and triumphs that we had the privilege to have shared with us. Thank you.
I'm sure for some of you the knowledge that we had sold the business and the inevitable change that will bring, has been slightly unsettling, but we have a belief that Home Instead will continue to be the best provider of in-home care. The new owner, Paul Fritz, has been a part of Home Instead for around 20 years and Gin and I first met him almost 14 years ago at the international convention for Home Instead in Omaha, Nebraska. He truly believes in the person-centred care model that Home Instead is so well known for, and he really understands the critical role CAREGivers play in the ability to fulfill our clients' expectations.
Having owned and operated multiple Home Instead master franchises around the world, he is very well placed to ensure the continued success of Home Instead Australia. Do not be shy to put forward suggestions to your new office managers, if you feel things we did are missing, or not being done to the same standard you have come to expect. Continuous improvement is front and centre of their minds.
As for Gin and me, we're embarking on our own new chapter, pursuing simpler lives focused on giving back to the community and our environment. While our paths may diverge, the values that brought us together - compassion, dedication, and the desire to make a difference - will continue to guide us all.
As we close this chapter, know that you've not just been part of our business story - you've been part of our family's story. The compassion, dedication, and humanity you've shown our clients will continue to inspire us long after we've moved to our new off grid home in the Northern Rivers region of NSW. Thank you for fifteen remarkable years of enhancing the lives of ageing adults and their families, one care visit at a time.
