“God gave me a second chance at life. I’ve used that chance to help seniors, which has been my passion since I graduated from high school,” said Home Instead® Care Professional of the Month Brigitte Washington, who received a kidney transplant in 2017 at the Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas.
For 28 years before the transplant, Brigitte had worked at a nursing home in Dallas, where she had learned to do everything involved with senior care except for the administrative bookwork. Brigitte worked on the floor as a CNA, in the dietary and food service, in the laundry and in housekeeping. “Then I had to stop working because I became really sick,” Brigitte explained.
She added: “It was a long, arduous process. We looked for a kidney transplant match for a long time; there was no compatibility with family members. Then there was an international search for a kidney, a search that succeeded. God saw me through it, and now I feel good. During my health struggles, I missed working with the elderly. They have great stories.”
In July 2022, Brigitte joined a Home Instead franchise in Dallas as a Care Pro. That franchise closed when the owner retired, so Brigitte came aboard at Home Instead of Collin County in Plano, Texas, in August 2023. Todd Felker had owned the award-winning franchise for 11 years until March 1, 2025, when he retired and sold the franchise to Chase and Taylor Crenwelge.
“I loved Todd, and I love Chase and Taylor. I love working for Home Instead. I’ve got a good job. I have faith in what I do, and I do it to my utmost,” said Brigitte, whose November Care Pro of the Month honor was announced by Care Pro Advocate Amanda Ross. “Brigitte embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of ‘Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart,’ ” Amanda said. “She goes above and beyond the call of duty.”
Brigitte’s God-given compassion and empathy are a perfect complement for her professional senior-care skills. She had served as a family caregiver for an aunt who had taken on a major role in raising Brigitte as a child. “My auntie developed Alzheimer’s. She meant so much to me, so it was hard to see her going through such a tough time. For eight or nine years, I would sit with her. I understood her behaviors – she experienced a wide range of emotions. Dementia can be challenging, so you must be on your toes, be patient and be protective,” Brigitte said.
Brigitte’s current client is a 90-year-old military veteran who suffered a stroke that has affected his right side. “I affectionately call him ‘Papa.’ He lives with his wife, who is a terrific helpmate who can do a lot for him but needs our assistance from Home Instead. I take three days a week, and another Care Pro takes the other days,” Brigitte explained.
“His wife is not a client, but I help her by helping her husband. When I prepare meals, I prepare them for both husband and wife. The same is true for other forms of assistance. He does require a Hoyer lift, but he helps us with his mobility as much as he can. I have him ready when his physical and occupational therapists come to the home.”
Brigitte added: “I was taking them to church regularly, but we don’t do that anymore. Now I play Alan Jackson’s gospel songs for him from my cellphone on Sundays. He listens and sings along. He grabs my hand while singing. It is one way to help them celebrate their faith. It cheers him up, and that is a win for him and his wife.”
Lifting her client’s spirits also goes into Brigitte’s “win column.” Brigitte, who has been blessed with 13 grandchildren, savors the fulfillment she receives from her Care Pro responsibilities. “I’ll stay at my Home Instead job until God gives me my last breath,” she said.
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (972) 744-9898 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website at www.homeinstead.com/413
