Home care nurse recognized for love, compassion

PRINCETON — A home care nurse was recognized for her exceptional devotion at Right At Home, in Princeton.

Berkley Hopkins, who has been with the company since the Princeton opening in 2011, is genuinely dedicated to providing excellent care.

Autumn Ward, a fellow caregiver at Right at Home, said, “The question isn’t why Berkley should be awarded, but why shouldn’t she. She leaves me at a loss for words. I get emotional because she always has my back.”

The company focuses on providing companion care to those in need. Services include light housework, personal care, and more.

Through her work with the company, Hopkins has made a big splash amongst the patients.

“She’s in high demand and is spread thin sometimes. She never complains,” Ward said.

Rather than treating her career as a job to be finished, Berkley sees it as a way to ensure people receive the love they deserve.

“When people have good care they feel comforted and feel like they’re still able to stay home,” Hopkins said.

According to Right at Home Princeton owner, Eric Hicks, Hopkins, “Picks up shifts and goes above and beyond.”

The talent for quality care and compassion runs in Hopkins’ family, as two of her daughters are caregivers as well.

Her daughter, Leslie Hopkins, who also works with Right at Home, said, “You have to have love and patience because we go into homes that are different. You have to be adaptable and be there for those who need it.”

Caregiver recruiter and customer service representative, Cheri Beck, said, “We have a wonderful team here.”

Regarding what she believes is the key to caregiving, Hopkins said, “Love. Have love and feel compassion. Take care fo them and help them get better. Just be there for them.”

According to Beck, Hopkins has continually developed a bond with patients and given them a sense of security.

Aside from care, and comradery, Hopkins also prays with her patients, furthering her love and compassion.

— Contact Emily D. Coppola at ecoppola@bdtonline.com