Chandani Patel is passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of Calgary families. With experience in both public and private healthcare, she joined TheKey Calgary during the height of the pandemic and has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of homecare for seniors.
Having grown up with her grandparents living under the same roof, Chandani understands the emotional and practical challenges families face. “I’ve seen my grandparents go from being the ones who drove us to school to needing support themselves,” she shares. “I also know how hard it can be for my mom to care for them. It’s no surprise that family caregivers can feel overwhelmed. The right caregiver support can truly make a difference.”
In her role in HR at TheKey Calgary, Chandani is dedicated to nurturing a strong team culture and ensuring that caregivers receive the support they need. “We prioritize building relationships—both with our clients and within our team,” she explains. “Finding the right caregiver fit is essential to creating a positive caregiving experience.”
This matching process goes beyond just qualifications; it involves understanding personalities and preferences. For instance, a client who is hesitant about care might benefit from an outgoing caregiver who can gently encourage them to engage. “Our approach isn’t just about quick visits. We focus on aligning a caregiver’s experiences with a client’s needs, considering both skillset and personality,” she adds.
As relationships develop, the dynamics between caregivers and clients can vary greatly. “We had one client who loved going to Dairy Queen, riding the train, and chatting for hours,” Chandani recalls. “It was crucial for us to match them with a caregiver who could not only relate to that but also enjoy those outings.”
TheKey Calgary is always looking for dedicated caregivers, which allows families to tap into a deep pool of trained professionals. This not only ensures flexibility but also enables the HR team to focus on finding the perfect match for each family’s unique needs. “We do more than just match; we also recruit specifically for highly specialized clients, which sets us apart,” Chandani says.
The training process for caregivers is thorough and ongoing. New hires receive in-house training and certifications, followed by annual training sessions tailored to their specific client needs. For example, if a caregiver is assigned to work with someone living with Lewy Body Dementia, they are given access to specialized online courses. “This level of training isn’t something families can access when hiring privately,” she points out.
TheKey’s caregivers come from various backgrounds, including those with medical training and experience in daily living support. The team also employs nurses to address advanced medical needs, such as clients requiring regular injections or feeding tube management. At the heart of Chandani’s work is the satisfaction of knowing that TheKey Calgary is making a positive impact in the community. “I love knowing that we’re helping Calgary families in their time of need,” she says. “That’s what home care for seniors should be all about.”
Through her dedication and the compassionate care provided by the team at TheKey Calgary, families can rest assured they’re not just receiving support—they’re building meaningful connections that enhance their loved ones’ quality of life.