Caregiving Journey: Midori Leonard’s Story

At Touching Hearts at Home of Buffalo, our caregivers are more than just professionals—they are companions, advocates, and life changers. Each caregiver brings their own unique experiences, stories, and passion to the role, creating meaningful connections with the seniors they serve.

One of these extraordinary individuals is Midori Leonard, a dedicated caregiver with an inspiring journey. With 20 years of experience in the caregiving field, Midori has devoted her life to helping others, and as she approaches her one-year anniversary with Touching Hearts at Home, we are honored to share her story.

Finding Purpose in Caregiving

Midori’s passion for caregiving started long before she officially entered the field. For her, helping others was never just a job—it was a calling.

“I’ve been in this field for 20 years—I LOVE IT!” she says enthusiastically.

Her deep connection to caregiving stems from a genuine love for people, a desire to make a difference, and the fulfillment that comes from knowing she is helping someone live a better life. Whether it’s providing assistance with daily tasks, offering emotional support, or simply being a friendly presence, Midori finds joy in every aspect of her role.

The Power of Human Connection: A Memory That Stands Out

One of the most beautiful aspects of caregiving is the relationships that are built along the way. Midori recalls a memory that has stayed with her for years—a moment that solidified her purpose in this field.

“When I first got into nursing school, I remember a special resident standing up for me and having my back. I’ll never forget Josie.”

It’s moments like these that highlight the mutual respect and deep connections that caregivers develop with their clients. Caregiving isn’t just about assisting with daily needs—it’s about forming genuine bonds, being a trusted companion, and making a lasting impact on someone’s life.

Lessons Learned from Years of Caregiving

Through her years of experience, Midori has gained invaluable insights into the world of home care. One of the most important lessons she has learned is the importance of family involvement and communication.

“It’s essential to communicate with families so they understand what their loved one may or may not be going through.”

For many families, navigating a loved one’s aging process can be overwhelming. Midori takes the time to educate families, ensuring they understand their loved one’s needs, emotions, and challenges. Bridging the gap between families and caregivers is a key component of quality home care.

Building Trust with Clients and Families

Trust is everything in caregiving. For Midori, establishing trust begins with three simple principles:

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Respect

“Being honest and leading with integrity allows me to build trust with my clients and their families. Respect is everything.”

By being transparent and dependable, Midori ensures that both clients and their families feel secure and confident in the care she provides. This trust allows for a deeper connection and a better quality of life for seniors.

Navigating the Challenges of Caregiving

Caregiving is deeply rewarding, but it also comes with challenges. One of the most difficult aspects Midori faces is helping clients with daily activities and redirection, especially when working with seniors who experience cognitive impairments.

Every client is different, which means every day presents new challenges. Midori approaches these situations with patience, adaptability, and empathy. She finds creative ways to help her clients feel comfortable while maintaining their dignity and independence.

A Defining Moment: When Care Truly Makes a Difference

There are moments in a caregiver’s journey that reaffirm why they chose this path. For Midori, one experience stands out:

“My current case—I feel like I made a huge impact. The family knew they could trust me after a hospital visit when I trusted my judgment.”

In times of crisis, caregivers play a critical role in ensuring their clients receive the best care possible. By trusting her instincts and acting with confidence, Midori not only provided exceptional care but also earned the trust of an entire family.

Advice for Aspiring Caregivers

Not everyone is cut out for caregiving, but for those who feel drawn to this work, Midori has one piece of advice:

“Have patience.”

Caregiving requires a calm, understanding, and compassionate approach. Some days will be challenging, and some moments will be emotionally taxing. But through patience, caregivers can provide comfort, build relationships, and truly make a difference in the lives of those they serve.

A New Perspective on Life and Aging

Being a caregiver doesn’t just impact the lives of clients—it also shapes the caregivers themselves. Midori shares that working with seniors has changed her perspective on life in a profound way.

“It makes me value life and appreciate it more.”

Seeing firsthand the beauty of long lives lived, hearing stories from past generations, and witnessing the resilience of seniors has deepened her appreciation for every moment, every relationship, and every experience.

Why Home Care Matters: A Message from Midori

If Midori could share just one message about the importance of home care, it would be this:

“Be yourself, be positive, and remain strong.”

Home care is more than just a service—it’s a way to preserve dignity, independence, and quality of life. It allows seniors to stay in their familiar surroundings, continue their daily routines, and receive the personalized care and attention they deserve. At Touching Hearts at Home of Buffalo, we believe that every senior deserves to be treated with compassion, respect, and genuine care—and caregivers like Midori make that possible every single day.

Celebrating the Heart of Home Care

Midori Leonard is one of the many incredible caregivers at Touching Hearts at Home who dedicate their lives to helping seniors age with dignity and comfort. Her story is a testament to the power of caregiving, the impact of human connection, and the importance of compassionate home care. If you or a loved one is in need of professional, compassionate home care, we’re here for you. Let’s create a care plan that ensures comfort, dignity, and the highest quality of life for your family.