“I needed a job that would feed my soul,” she said. “I wanted to do something that felt meaningful, something that connected me to my local community.”

Chapman found that connection as a caregiver with Always Best Care WNC, providing in-home support to older adults. Earlier this year, she transitioned into her current role as community marketing manager, where she works with families exploring care options and builds relationships with other organizations serving the region’s aging population.

Her time as a caregiver gave Chapman a firsthand understanding of both the rewards and complexities of the work. One of her biggest surprises was discovering how much professional caregiving affects not only the client, but the entire family.

“I knew the seniors we work with would see the benefit, but I didn't realize the level of stress and uncertainty their family members face each day and how our presence can provide peace of mind,” she said.

As a caregiver, Chapman began each shift with about 20 minutes of conversation to understand how her client was feeling physically and mentally. No two days looked exactly alike. On a low-energy day, she might prepare food, tidy the home and spend time talking with the client. On other days, they might take a walk, visit a museum, browse thrift stores or simply stroll through the grocery store.

“We are very good at meeting people where they are each day,” Chapman said. “Not only is each client different, but the same client can be an entirely different person some days.”

Chapman also quickly learned that accepting professional help can be difficult for older adults. Two of her first clients nearly turned her away when she arrived at their homes.

“I managed to convince them to let me stay and after a couple of visits, they couldn't imagine life without me,” she said.

Building that trust, Chapman found, meant listening and allowing clients to retain control over their own routines and decisions.

“We talk like adults, I let them dictate how the day will go, and I ensure they feel empowered in their own lives,” she said.

The relationships became one of Chapman's favorite parts of the job.

“We have the BEST conversations!” she said. “I love learning about their lives, their opinions, and their experiences.”

One comment from a client has particularly stayed with her: “I feel safe with you.”

Although caregiving was a significant career change, Chapman discovered that skills developed during her previous work translated well. She began her career in hospitality before moving into technology sales, and decades of working with people taught her to listen closely, navigate complicated dynamics and remain calm in difficult situations.

“We often work with families in crisis and family dynamics can be complicated,” she said. “Keeping a cool head, bringing an outside perspective, and nudging them along to take necessary actions can be a huge relief to them.”

Now, Chapman brings that experience to her role as community marketing manager, working with families as they navigate in-home care options and connecting with others who support older adults throughout Western North Carolina.

“I have been blown away by the incredible community focus on ensuring our seniors thrive,” she said. “My faith in humanity is restored daily when I see these folks quietly going about making people's lives better.”

For Chapman, professional caregiving is ultimately about helping older adults maintain independence while easing some of the pressure placed on their families. Support can range from companionship and encouraging activity to personal care and assistance for people who are unable to leave their beds.

“Professional caregivers are there for them, so they can do what they like,” Chapman said. “It's very empowering and freeing.”

After years of working remotely, Chapman said being part of that network has given her the community connection she was seeking when she left corporate sales.

“I can't imagine a more perfect role for me at this time in my life,” she said.