Why choose us for home care in Ames, IA?

Bob and Janet Baumgart are the owners of Home Instead in Waukee and Ames, a trusted home care agency proudly serving older adults across Dallas, Story, Boone, Madison, and Warren Counties. They purchased this franchise in 2014, continuing the legacy of an office originally established in 2002, and have since grown its reach and impact while maintaining an unwavering focus on quality, compassion, and community-based care. Janet is a Registered Nurse with a Bachelor's Degree from Methodist College of Nursing in Omaha, Nebraska. She plays an active clinical role in this office, serving as the RN overseeing delegated services and care planning, particularly for clients who require skilled oversight. Janet's background in nursing and her deep understanding of aging-related health needs help ensure that every care plan is thoughtful, compliant, and centered on client dignity and independence. Bob brings decades of experience in business leadership and strategic operations, holding a Bachelor's Degree in Agronomy from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. He leads the organization's long-range vision and systems development, and serves on a national advocacy team that regularly works with legislators in Washington, D.C. to expand access to home care for Iowa's seniors. Together, Bob and Janet are driven by a shared mission: To professionally and compassionately help people craft their own vision of aging.

Amy Alden brings over 20 years of experience in home care leadership to her role as Vice President of Operations for Baumgart Home Care Inc., where she provides strategic vision, operational guidance, and core process development for a growing network of Home Instead franchises, including the Waukee and Ames area offices serving Dallas, Story, Boone, Warren and Madison Counties. Amy began her career with Home Instead in 2004 and has spent the decades since redefining what's possible for families who want meaningful, dignified alternatives to institutional care. Her expertise lies in developing deeply personalized, long-term care solutions — particularly for those living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and cognitive loss — and scaling those systems without sacrificing human connection. Amy's leadership has been shaped by both professional expertise and personal conviction. After witnessing her own grandmother's painful experience in a nursing home, she became committed to building a better model — one where older adults are seen, heard, and honored, right in the homes they love. She has served as an advisory board member for Central Iowa's Area Agency on Aging, a longtime board chair for the Walk to End Alzheimer's, a HERO volunteer, and a former board member of Heartland Senior Services, which supports low-income aging adults through essential services like adult day programs and transportation. Today, Amy focuses on building scalable processes that keep individual preferences and quality outcomes at the forefront. She works closely with each location's General Manager and admin team, ensuring that the company's purpose — to help people age on their own terms — drives every decision. Her leadership is values-driven, people-first, and fueled by a simple belief: "Caring for people is never simple — and it may never be perfect — but our commitment to creative solutions, continual growth, and unwavering values allows us to deliver care experiences that rise far above the status quo"

Proudly serving families in Boone, Story, Dallas, Madison, and Warren Counties Reilly Adams leads with compassion, clinical insight, and a vision to transform how older adults experience aging at home. As General Manager of Home Instead Waukee and Ames , she oversees care delivery, team development, and operational excellence across Boone, Story, Dallas, Madison, and Warren Counties - ensuring every client receives support that is both personalized and deeply respectful . Reilly's passion for elder care began early in her career as a caregiver at Home Instead , where she saw firsthand the power of connection and the challenges families face when navigating aging. She later became a Registered Nurse , gaining clinical experience in local hospital settings and building a foundation that now informs every aspect of her leadership. With a sharp focus on client satisfaction, quality standards, and long-term care planning , Reilly works alongside families to identify solutions that support independence, safety, and peace of mind - often for those living with chronic conditions, dementia, or complex care needs . She is committed to redefining what traditional long-term care looks like , championing home-based care models that honor personal choice and promote aging in place. Reilly is also passionate about building strong, supported caregiver teams. Her leadership style is relational, collaborative, and grounded in the belief that when care professionals feel empowered, clients thrive. Outside of work, Reilly enjoys camping, exploring the outdoors, and spending time with her family. Whether in the office or in the community, she is committed to making a positive impact - one relationship at a time.

Since 2012, Tiffany Bradley has been the heartbeat of Home Instead's scheduling operations in Central Iowa. As Scheduling Manager for the Waukee and Ames office, she is responsible for crafting the weekly schedules that keep older adults safe, supported, and thriving at home - all while building strong, lasting connections with the care professionals and families she serves. Tiffany's path to home care was shaped by a deep belief in family, faith, and showing up for others. Before joining the administrative team, she served as an Activities Director in a local nursing home, after running a successful in-home daycare that allowed her to be the primary caregiver for her three children. A lifelong resident of Madison County, she brings a grounded understanding of what aging looks like in rural Iowa - where independence, grit, and humility are part of the care conversation. Known for her gift with people and her brilliant calm under pressure, Tiffany is especially skilled at solving complex scheduling challenges - including coordinating 24-hour care for hospital-to-home transitions. When families are hoping to bring a loved one home safely, Tiffany is often the quiet hero behind the scenes making that happen. Her ability to remember details - a beloved dog's name, a birthday, or a family story - makes every client and caregiver feel truly seen. Tiffany is also one of the most beloved team members in the organization. Whether she's sharing a laugh, lightening the mood, or tackling a scheduling puzzle with fierce focus, she brings a sense of camaraderie and joy to everyone around her. At her core, Tiffany believes in helping people age in place with dignity, not dependence. She builds schedules that respect each individual's routines, values, and voice - especially for rural Iowans who are used to doing things their way. Her work is part strategy, part ministry, and all heart.

Supporting families and care teams across Ames, Boone, and surrounding communities As Client Care Advisor for Home Instead in Boone and Story Counties, Marcey Propp brings together deep compassion, clinical coordination skills, and a gift for making people feel seen and supported. Whether she's meeting a family for the first time or collaborating with healthcare partners, Marcey's focus is always the same: to ensure that each client receives personalized, high-quality in-home care that reflects their needs, values, and vision for aging. Marcey has been part of the Home Instead family since 2023, and her background includes hands-on experience as a CNA in long-term and memory care settings, as well as leadership roles in business. That blend of practical care knowledge and operational expertise makes her an exceptional advocate for older adults and their families. With a calm presence and an unwavering sense of what's right, Marcey is especially skilled at navigating complex care situations and delicate family dynamics. She's known for her ability to listen deeply, ask the right questions, and build thoughtful care plans that align caregivers, families, and other support services - including hospitals, home health, and outside providers. Her attention to detail, personal accountability, and follow-through give families confidence that no need will go overlooked. Clients and teammates often describe Marcey as both professional and approachable - a steady presence who instantly eases worry and stress with her warmth, wisdom, and willingness to go the extra mile. Outside of work, Marcey lives in rural Story County with her husband, their son, and their two dogs. She finds joy in family life, faith, time with friends, and cheering on her favorite team, the Iowa State Cyclones. She's also a mom to Iowa State undergrad Wrigley and an unofficial "bonus mom" to just about every child (and pet) in the neighborhood.

Abby Allen serves as the Client Care Advisor for Madison, Dallas, and Warren Counties, where she is dedicated to helping seniors and their families feel safe, supported, and confident in their care journey. In her role, Abby oversees client consultations, develops personalized care plans, conducts quality assurance visits, and works closely with clients, families, and Care Professionals to ensure exceptional in-home care experiences. With a background as a professional caregiver before transitioning into client care leadership, Abby brings a unique perspective to her work. Having firsthand experience providing care, she understands the importance of preparing and supporting Care Professionals while ensuring clients receive compassionate, high-quality care tailored to their needs. Abby's passion for senior care began early in life. Raised by her grandmother and surrounded by older adults throughout her childhood, she developed a deep appreciation for the wisdom, dignity, and value of aging. This personal connection fuels her commitment to helping seniors remain safe, comfortable, and independent in their own homes for as long as possible. Known for her positive attitude, adaptability, and compassionate nature, Abby is often described as someone who can thrive in any situation. Her ability to connect with people, listen thoughtfully, and bring a sense of calm and reassurance makes her a trusted resource for clients and families alike. She finds the greatest fulfillment in providing peace of mind and knowing she has made a meaningful difference in someone's life. Outside of work, Abby enjoys spending time with her dog and the many animals that make up her "zoo" at home. She also loves baking, crafting, fishing, and watching cooking shows. And if you spend enough time with her, you're sure to hear one of her favorite dad jokes-because Abby believes a little laughter can brighten anyone's day.

When it comes to building a strong, heart-led caregiving team, Debbie Baker is often the first person our future care professionals meet - and her warmth, insight, and steady guidance set the tone for a great experience from day one. As Recruiting and Office Coordinator for Home Instead's Waukee and Ames franchise, Debbie leads the charge in attracting, interviewing, and welcoming compassionate caregivers who serve older adults across Central Iowa. She ensures every candidate journey - from application to onboarding - is personal, organized, and rooted in connection. Known for her genuine listening skills and ability to spot unique strengths, Debbie creates space for people to bring their best selves forward. She coordinates interviews, manages compliance steps, communicates with hiring leaders, and fine-tunes systems that support retention and strong team culture. Her passion runs deeper than process. Having supported aging loved ones in rural Dallas County, Debbie understands firsthand how critical trustworthy, local home care is for families - and she works hard to ensure our clients receive care from team members who truly embody our mission. Outside of work, Debbie's heart belongs to her growing family and her beloved grandchildren. Being a grandma is her greatest joy - and she brings that same nurturing spirit to the way she supports new hires, care pros, and the families we serve every day. "I know what it's like to want the very best for your aging loved one - especially when you live in a rural area. That's why I take every caregiver hire personally."

Michelle Dickson is a seasoned care professional and trusted trainer who leads Learning & Development for all BHC Inc.-owned Home Instead franchises across Iowa and Missouri. Based out of our Waukee-Ames office, she oversees Care Pro education and growth across five central Iowa counties-and plays a pivotal role in training Care Pros in Alzheimer's and dementia care across the region. Michelle began her journey with Home Instead as a Caregiver, where she earned a reputation for her ability to connect with any client, no matter how complex the care need or personality. That frontline experience grounds her approach today: meeting every Care Pro where they are, helping them build confidence, and coaching them to deliver not just care-but dignity, connection, and calm. As a Care Pro Success Manager, Michelle is known for her thoughtful, empathetic leadership style and her unwavering commitment to quality. Whether she's facilitating Alzheimer's education or helping a brand-new Care Pro find their footing, Michelle brings a unique combination of clinical insight, warmth, and personal accountability to every interaction. She's a natural teacher, a calming force, and a true believer in the power of aging at home. "Every client is someone's someone-and they deserve the very best." A lifelong caregiver at heart, Michelle has dedicated her entire professional career to supporting individuals with aging-related needs, cognitive loss, and disabilities. Her work ensures that Home Instead Care Pros are always growing, and that families across Iowa and Missouri can trust in the care their loved ones receive. Outside of work, Michelle enjoys spending time with her family, hunting for antiques, and losing herself in a good book-small joys that reflect the same patience, curiosity, and heart she brings to her role every day.