Care Professional Awards & Recognition

Connecting Through Compassion and a Listening Ear

Carmen’s path to caregiving was paved with a deep desire to help others, a calling she first felt while caring for her grandfather during his time in hospice. When her young daughters began preparing to return to school, she saw an opportunity to turn that personal mission into a career. Though she initially felt a sense of uncertainty about working in private homes, her transition into the role has been defined by a series of rewarding breakthroughs and genuine human connections.

Since joining Home Instead, Carmen has found immense joy in supporting her clients through their recovery and growth. She is currently working with a client who is making incredible progress after breaking her leg—a journey Carmen has had a front-row seat to witness. She takes pride in being her client’s biggest cheerleader, constantly reminding her that every small achievement is a major milestone on the road to recovery. Their relationship has grown into a "favorite friendly" bond where they connect over shared interests like celebrity gossip and music, often spending their Sundays listening to artists like SZA and Tate McRae while Carmen assists with meal prep.

For Carmen, the heart of caregiving lies in simply being there to listen. She understands that loneliness can be a significant challenge for seniors, and she strives to be the "extra ear" that her clients need. Whether they are sharing a laugh over a funny household mishap or enjoying a quiet morning coffee together, Carmen makes it her mission to go above and beyond to ensure her clients feel seen and valued.

This experience has not only shaped Carmen’s professional life but has also transformed her perspective on her own family. She now feels more prepared than ever to support her loved ones as they age, often telling her grandmother that she is a "pro" who will always be there to help. Carmen is deeply grateful for the supportive and understanding environment at Home Instead, particularly the encouragement she received from the hiring team who helped her overcome her initial hesitation. Her advice to anyone considering this path is simple: just do it. She believes that the chance to make a tangible difference in the world is worth every bit of the initial uncertainty.

Seeing Life Through the Eyes of Her Clients

For Lourie B., caregiving isn't just a career; it’s a niche she has perfected since 2011. Lourie’s path to this profession started with a simple curiosity about working with people, but after exploring different settings—including a few years in a facility—she realized she craved the freedom and one-on-one connection that only home care provides. Though there was a slight learning curve with her current client at the start as Lourie adapted to assisting with a wheelchair, she met the challenge with her signature positivity. Their relationship is built on a foundation of open communication, where they aren't afraid to "switch things up" to keep life interesting. Whether they are competing in blackjack, testing their knowledge at pub trivia, or attending summer porch parties, Lourie ensures her client is always engaged and active.

Lourie often reflects on the "small" things that make the biggest difference, such as pushing her client's wheelchair to save her client’s strength for the activities she truly loves. This perspective has even influenced Lourie’s own family life, as she finds herself giving "proactive pointers" to her husband and daughters about the beauty and reality of aging. Her best advice for fellow Care Pros is to always try to "get behind the eyes" of the client, ensuring they feel understood, respected, and truly seen.