March 12, 2012

For the past five years Darcella Stinnie has been a caregiver at Home Instead Senior Care in Charlottesville.

“To me, it's an honor because you can do something to help somebody even when they get up in age,” Stinnie told CBS19.

From helping a client take an afternoon stroll to playing a game of backgammon, Stinnie is more than just a caregiver to seniors - she's their friend.

“They become your friend because they confide in you and they trust you and they depend on you. So, if I can be that person for them I want to be there,” she said.

Stinnie's manager says she's a standout employee. She doesn't just meet expectations, she exceeds them.

“When she goes into their homes she just doesn't show up to do tasks, she shows up and becomes part of their lives,” said Jeanne McCusker, owner of Home Instead.

This caregiver says she doesn't know how to do her job any other way and adds that she's only treating people the way she would like to be treated.

“When you can do something to help them and to make their life easier, it's a blessing because I'm gonna be a senior one day so I would like to be treated like that,” said Stinnie.

Those that work with Stinnie say she's the definition of a hero.

“Darcella is one of our quiet, unsung heroes because she actually goes into people's homes and she just lights them up with her smile the minute she walks in. She just adds so much to so many people's lives,” said McCusker.

Stinnie says she wants to be a caregiver as long as she can making a difference and bring joy to every senior she works with.