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Why choose us for home care in Waterloo, IA?


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.

Our 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.

Zach Diercks

Zach Diercks

Owner

Zach was born and raised in Waverly, Iowa just north of Waterloo, Cedar Falls. Zach has been married to his wife Brittney for 15 years, they have two beautiful, fantastic children Jillian and Jhett. He enjoys spending time with his family, being outdoors, and watching and coaching Jillian and Jhett in their favorite sports. Zach has been involved with the family ran business since opening in January of 2007. Zach loves meeting and helping families and seeing a smile of joy on the face of his clients when they recieve the little bit of help from our wonderful CAREGivers.

Jillian Diercks

Jillian Diercks

Administrative Assistant

Jillian is a student at the University of Northern Iowa, majoring in Business Administration and Marketing with a minor in Entrepreneurship. She graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School in May 2025. Since 2023, Jillian has worked at Home Instead, where she manages client billing, office finances, marketing, coordinates and presents at Aging Seminars, and connections with other businesses. She enjoys hearing clients' childhood stories and connecting with individuals on a personal level, which makes her role especially rewarding. Through her studies and work experience, Jillian has developed strong skills in organization, communication, leadership, and relationship-building, and she is passionate about applying her knowledge to create meaningful impact. In her free time, Jillian enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, hiking, kayaking, and exploring the outdoors.

Jamie Cole

Jamie Cole

Client Care Coordinator

Jamie was born and raised in Oklahoma and moved to Iowa at age 12. After graduating from Nashua-Plainfield High School in 2002, Jamie earned her CNA license and began her career at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Home, where she worked for seven years. She then spent another seven years as a hospice aide with Cedar Valley Hospice, providing compassionate end-of-life care. In 2014, Jamie returned to Oklahoma and worked as a dental assistant before moving back to Iowa the following year. She joined Home Instead in the fall of 2017 as a trainer and soon expanded her role to include quality assurance. After a few years, she transitioned into scheduling, and in the summer of 2025, she stepped into her current role as Client Care Coordinator. Jamie truly enjoys meeting new clients and their families and loves hearing how they thrive once they begin services with Home Instead's amazing Care Pros. Outside of work, Jamie is an early riser who can usually be found at the gym by 5 a.m. She also loves spending time outdoors-camping, kayaking, golfing (even though she admits she's terrible at it), and enjoying just about any activity in the fresh air.

Jennifer Doudney

Jennifer Doudney

Scheduling & Service Coordinator

With over 12 years of experience in healthcare, Jennifer is our dedicated Scheduling & Service Coordinator committed to providing exceptional care and support to both clients and caregivers. Having worked as a caregiver herself, she understands firsthand the importance of compassionate, reliable care and strives to create the best possible matches between clients and caregivers. Specializing in senior care for the past four years, Jennifer has also worked as a Life Engagement Coordinator in assisted living care and as a Lead Community Assistant for handicapped and disabled individuals. These experiences have strengthened her ability to connect with clients, anticipate their needs, and support caregivers in delivering high-quality care. Jennifer's passion for teamwork and organization helps create a supportive and efficient environment for both clients and colleagues. Outside of work, Jennifer can often be found running her kids around to their many activities and sporting events, proudly cheering them on as their number one fan. She also loves spending time with family, attending concerts, enjoying the outdoors, and expressing her creativity through DIY projects.

Kaija Rice

Kaija Rice

Recruitment & Engagement Coordinator

My name is Kaija (Kai-yuh) and I'm thrilled to have joined the office staff as the Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator! I have been with the organization since 2022, where I started as a caregiver with the Ames/Waukee office. After moving to Cedar Falls post-graduation, I was a caregiver for a little bit, before accepting this new role!

Our Social Purpose.


Our social purpose starts in Waterloo, IA 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.