For twice-honored Care Professional of the Month Marlena Soileau, a shift can seem like quite an adventure for some of her clients – there have been painting sessions, card games, petting zoo visits, errands, holiday fun, church worship services and workouts. “I really love what I do as a Care Pro. I love helping others. The experience has been amazing,” Marlena said.
“Last year, I followed one of my clients to The Landing Senior Living to assist there. I have such a great time working with everyone there. It’s very warm, peaceful and welcoming. My client and I work out together, we run errands and go together to her doctor and eye doctor appointments. We also play UNO cards and bingo with the other seniors,” said Marlena, who was first honored in May 2025 at the Home Instead® franchise that serves south-central Houston. She was selected for her second Care Pro of the Month in September 2026. Greg Gomez-Mira has owned the award-winning Home Instead franchise for the past 13 years.
Marlena added: “In July 9, we went on a trip to a tea house in Pearland with the other seniors. It was a great experience. We painted sometimes and joined in the holiday fun at The Landing. For Easter, we enjoyed the petting zoo. My client has dementia, and it is hard for her to remember her name and mine, or where she put her items. I give her reminders and hugs when she needs them.”
Marlena also has enjoyed working with other clients, too. “With one client, we cooked together, enjoyed ice cream and watched movies together. She wore hearing aids that I charged because she had dementia. We also played the Rummikub game. Another client watched football with me. On Sunday, I cooked him lasagna and steak,” Marlena explained.
Professional senior care often involves a teamwork approach. “The families are very welcoming and helpful. We keep each other updated with the clients’ conditions. I have empathy for the family members and assure them that I’ll care for their senior loved ones as if they were my family members,” Marlena said. “I love my career with Home Instead.”
On her birthday in the fall of 2024, Marlena applied for her Care Pro position. She had a special reason for submitting the application on her uniquely special day. “It was my dream job,” she said. “What I do makes life easier and peaceful for clients.”
A Home Instead staff member said: “Marlena has done wonders for her clients. She helped a client to get out of her shell and made life for her in a facility more pleasant. Marlena displays Home Instead’s guiding principles of ‘Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.’ She has gone above and beyond the call of duty and is exceptional at her work.”
Marlena’s history of family caregiving and her personal professional educational and vocational pursuits made her a perfect candidate for her Home Instead Care Pro job. “Nursing is a part of my family history. I went to Avalon Medical Career Academy to become a Medical Assistant and Certified Nursing Assistant,” explained Marlena, a native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, who began work as a Medical Assistant on July 11, 2008.
“I’ve been working at home and taking on health-care tasks for many years because my children were born with disabilities. I’ve also taken care of my grandmother and my mom. I really enjoyed the experience I have had while working with Home Instead.”
Marlena loves being a part of the Care Pro team for one of Texas’ outstanding Home Instead franchises, a member of the world’s largest home-care network and the most advanced care platform. Overall, there are 100,000 Care Pros worldwide meeting the growing needs of millions of older adults and their families. For Marlena and her fellow Care Pros, touching lives impacts their souls, whether they are providing physical help such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders or personal care or if they are offering emotional support in a companionship role.
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (713) 774-2215 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website at HomeInstead.com/541.
