#NeighborhoodHeroes: Caregiver continues to put others before herself during the pandemic

Jannet Williams was born in the Philippines where she completed her credentials to become a registered nurse.  When her father had a heart attack, she moved to the states to take care of him.

When she arrived to the states she applied to be a caregiver with Home Instead because she knew that helping others was her calling.  For over a year, she has dedicated her time to her client, Harold Ball. “Mr. Ball is like my long-lost uncle, dad, and friend, and sometimes he calls me mother because I have to be stern with him. I love him so much.” said Williams.  When Mr. Ball came in contact with COVID-19 she stayed by his side and took care of him, risking her own health. People close to her said she has always put herself before others and exemplifies dedication to Home Instead and to her clients she has assisted over the years especially during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“I am not just his caregiver, he’s not just my patient, he’s part of my family too,” said Williams. Mr. Ball needed help after being in and our of the hospital from a heart attack and his dialysis from kidney failure. “I am just now getting to a point where I can take a few steps with a walker or with holding on to the wheelchair,” said Ball. He expressed his appreciation for having Williams around. “She goes to the doctors with me. To the various surgeries, she’s been there by my side,” said Ball.

Ball is now the last of his family left. He recently lost his niece to a heart attack. “I have to be strong for him. I have to get him up in the morning. Let him greet the morning. And everyday have to get up and go into his dialysis and move on with his life,” said Williams.

They both consider each other to be like family. Ball said he calls Williams mother or sister. Williams said they are like best friends and can talk to each other about everything under the sun. They appreciate having each other during these difficult and isolating times. “This pandemic give us the realization that you need a friend and you need somebody to talk to,” said Williams.

“I don’t think I could have made it without her,” said Ball. “As a caregiver, I love my job, it’s my passion,” added Williams.

Ball said if he could keep her around for the rest of his life, he would.

Celebrating #NeighborhoodHeroes

While the coronavirus crisis is keeping us apart, we know the Coachella Valley community is still coming together to help each other. We are looking for those who are lending a hand during this uncertain time. Do you know of any everyday people who are going out of their way to help others? Have you seen someone find creative solutions to the new challenges we all face?

News Channel 3 wants to celebrate these neighborhood heroes. Tell us about them here. Enter HERE or email SHARE@kesq.com. If you see good happening on social media, share it with us, and tag it #neighborhoodheroes for us to see.

We are all in this together. Help us showcase the good that's happening right here in the Coachella Valley.

Kaiser recommends that those in the Coachella Valley who are elderly and have underlying health conditions, including individuals who are HIV positive, limit non-essential travel and avoid large public gatherings.

Health officials said anyone who thinks they might be experiencing symptoms of the virus and want to be seen at Eisenhower Health should call the hospital hotline first at 760-837-8988. Avoid the spread of this illness.
Residents with further questions can call 2-1-1 and 800–CDC –INFO (800 – 232 – 4636) with any questions.

Public health recommendations for all Riverside County residents during community spread:

Practice social distancing, which is remaining out of places where people meet or gather and avoid using public transportation, if possible.
Do not attend work, school or events when sick. Stay home.
Cough into your elbow or tissue.
Wash hands frequently and use hand sanitizer often.
Stay away from anyone who is sick.