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Why choose us ?


We believe aging should feel empowering, not limiting. That’s why we provide personalized care with a human touch, helping older adults live safely and with purpose at home.

Your Team

Behind every phone call, visit, and update is your local team who genuinely cares.

We're here to help with whatever you need, whenever you need it.

Rich Southard

Rich Southard

President

Growing up, Rich spent a lot of time with his great-grandmother playing cards and Scrabble. A broken hip limited her mobility and meant that a family member always had to provide care for her. Soon after Rich graduated from school, his father suffered a stroke and Rich was able to return to Illinois to care for his dad through six months of occupational and physical therapy until he could live on his own. These experiences made him sensitive to how a senior's needs affect the whole family and not just the individual. He grabbed the opportunity to serve by buying the Whittier office in 2018 and was honored to take on the Riverside team in 2023.

Jennifer Lesher

Jennifer Lesher

General Manager

Jennifer has been a leader in senior care for over 22 years , bringing extensive experience and passion to everything she does. Her journey with Home Instead began in Riverside in 2014, where she supported the organization in roles ranging from client acquisition to scheduling. In 2016, Jennifer stepped into the role of Office Manager for the Redlands l ocation, where she led the office until 2021. She then returned to Riverside, continuing her leadership journey and ultimately serving as General Manager. In this role, Jennifer is dedicated to motivating and developing high-quality Care Professionals, ensuring families have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are receiving exceptional care. Jennifer is deeply committed to community involvement and professional leadership. She is an active member of the Riverside Chamber of Commerce, Corona Chamber of Commerce, Moreno Valley Chamber of Commerce , and the Moreno Valley Military Affairs Committee, and she is a proud graduate of the Moreno Valley Leadership Academy. Through her work both inside and outside the office, Jennifer continues to advocate for seniors, caregivers, and the community she serves.

Nicole Luepnitz

Nicole Luepnitz

Service Manager

Nicole has always had a passion for caring for others. She started with Home Instead as a C are Pro in 2015 . Nicole has filled many roles on the team including Receptionist, Client Care Coordinator , and Director of Human Resources. She is responsible for scheduling shifts and matching clients and Care Pros to ensur e the delivery of quality care to our clients . She also leads the way in empowering our care and a dministrative t eam s to enhance the lives of our clients and families.

MaryLou Alvidrez

MaryLou Alvidrez

Recruiting & Engagement Coordinator

MaryLou started her career as a CAREGiver 2015. She has a very caring heart and understands the needs of the seniors. She carefully screens our applicants for that special mix of heart and capabilities and then works to develop their skills while getting the whole team to gel. She is a delight ! MaryLou's faith is front in center in her life. She enjoys spending time with her family , cooking for them (and the office . ) Her grandchildren are a joy !

Daniela Romero

Daniela Romero

Client Care Coordinator

Daniela started with Home Instead as a C are P rofessional in 201 8 . After five years of becoming a leader in specialized care, we decided to utilize her expertise to ensure that we ha ve accurate Care Plans for our clients. Daniela visits homes to ensure that we provide the best care and to make sure that our Care Pros receive the best skills training, whether on site or with the tools in the office. In December of 2023, she began consulting with families looking for care for their loved ones. She ensures that the paperwork is done and gets service started.

Angelina Powell

Angelina Powell

Office Coordinator

Angelina joined the team in 2023. Her organizational and technical skills brought immediate stability to an office that had gone through a lot of change in a short time . If you call in, odds are that her pleasant greeting will be the one that starts to get your needs met . Beware of her cat!

Claudia Penate

Claudia Penate

Home Care Consultant

Claudia began her journey with Home Instead in 2014, where she worked steadily as a Care Pro for five years. She later moved on to pursue her nursing career, gaining valuable clinical experience along the way. After six years in nursing, Claudia chose to take a step back from the clinical setting and return to caregiving-driven by her passion for providing meaningful, one-on-one care. Within just a few months of returning to the field, she consistently delivered excellent care and demonstrated a strong ability to connect with both clients and community partners. Recognizing her strengths, we welcomed Claudia into the role of Home Care Consultant , where she now focuses on building relationships within the community and strengthening partnerships with our RPNs. Her blend of caregiving experience, nursing background, and genuine compassion makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

Olivia Flores

Olivia Flores

Client Care Advisor

Olivi a also started with Home Instead as a C are Professional. Because of her adaptability and skills we brought her into the office as our super sub. Her ability to assess client needs and communicate with the Care Team have made her invaluable in bringing on new clients successfully . Olivia manages the skills training s for the Care Pros . Olivia has a very talented musical family . She is a devoted Metallica fan.

Get to Know a Care Pro


Christy H., Home Instead Riverside, CA


Christy began her caregiving journey as a CNA in a hospital, later supporting brain-injured patients, children with autism, and individuals living with Alzheimer’s. Inspired by her Nana, a nurse, Christy sees caregiving as both a calling and a connection.

“The trust clients give you—that’s what makes this work powerful,” she says. “Especially in end-of-life care, just being there brings comfort.”

She’s also realistic and respectful about the aging process. Whether helping with mobility or guiding a client through their last stages of life, Christy understands how to balance care with dignity. She also knows when to honor a client’s wishes—like respecting a decision to skip physical therapy or sleep in late.

If your family is navigating in-home Alzheimer's or palliative care in Riverside, CA, Christy is a Care Pro who brings both strength and softness to every visit.

Our Social Purpose.


Our social purpose starts in Moreno Valley, CA but it carries on across the world. The Home Instead network works to create a world where people own their aging journeys. This vision drives us to expand the world’s capacity to care.

    Giving Back

    Home Instead helps older adults age with greater hope and success whether they're our clients or not.

    Be a Santa to a Senior

    Need help during the day? Overnight care? Weekend coverage? We offer flexible options, on-time visits, and reliable care from Care Pros you know and trust.

    Walk to End Alzheimers

    Home Instead walks to help end Alzheimer’s and support families affected by the disease with hope, awareness, and community care.

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    Free Care Resources

    We strive to help family caregivers navigate the aging journey by providing helpful, free resources.