It is easy to see why Katie H. was honored as the Care Professional of the Month for May at Home Instead® of Fox River Valley in St. Charles, Illinois. Katie was selected just 14 months after she had joined the award-winning Home Instead franchise.
Home Instead Staffing Manager James Wall was effusive in his praise for Katie. “She has won the hearts of our clients, becoming more than just a Care Pro — she’s become a cherished part of their families. Dependable, compassionate and always present with a warm smile, Katie brings light and laughter into every home she visits. Her passion for animals is as boundless as her love for people, creating an instant bond that puts everyone at ease. Seniors love their pets as if they were their own children, and Katie understands and thrives in those situations,” James said.
Noting that Katie represents Home Instead’s guiding principles of “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart,” James added: “From sharing a cup of coffee in the morning to reminiscing over favorite family stories, Katie has a way of turning ordinary moments into unforgettable memories. She listens with patience, cares with empathy and always shows up when it matters most. Her positive spirit is contagious, lifting the spirits of those around her.”
Katie has thrived in her first professional senior-care job after a successful career in the non-caregiving services industry where she had worked at various jobs. “I’ve been with Home Instead since March 2, 2024. I really enjoy working for Home Instead, and I’m glad I was given such a great opportunity,” Katie said.
Referring to her Home Instead honor, she said: “Wow! I am overwhelmed with such emotion. I wish to thank our staff for such an amazing nomination. I couldn’t be prouder of what I do for a living, and I feel a bond with the many people I serve. It’s not just a job; I take it personally and always lead with my heart. Thank you, Home Instead, for believing in me and giving me such a great opportunity. I look forward to my future with Home Instead. God bless all the hard workers in the Home Instead office and the ones out in the field helping others every day.”
When Katie was asked what she liked most about her Home Instead job, she said: “I’m able to be me. I’m able to give a helping hand. I also have clients with whom I’ve become close by talking and listening. I like being able to be ‘there’ for that person. I like being able to come to my job and create relationships and a bond with them. When that happens, my clients feel safe and comfortable while I’m in their homes. I especially like going to work and making my clients laugh or when they make me laugh. It truly melts my heart when I see them smile ear to ear.”
One of Katie’s favorite client moments centered on a baking lesson.
“One morning when I went to work,” Katie said, “Ms. G. was casually sitting in the kitchen when we greeted each other. Then I noticed ingredients on the kitchen counter. I was thinking to myself, ‘Hmm … did I leave them out before I left yesterday?’ I put my stuff down and asked if she would like to have breakfast.”
My client said, “No, I don’t want breakfast. I want to show you how to make popovers.”
A popover is a light American pastry made from an egg batter, typically baked in muffin tins or dedicated popover pans, which have straight-walled sides rather than angled. Popovers may be served with fruit and cream or jelly for breakfast or with afternoon tea and cold cuts.
Gathering her thoughts, Katie said to herself, “No wonder there are all these ingredients out.” Katie added: “After I stared at the ingredients, we both laughed. That was the day I learned how to make popovers with Ms. G., and I will never forget it. They turned out absolutely delicious, and that’s exactly what she wanted for breakfast, popovers with butter.”
Katie put a bow on her feelings about her Home Instead position: “I love that I can go to work and be comfortable with what I’m doing.”
Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (630) 274-5050 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website at homeinstead.com/home-care/usa/il/st-charles/458/.
