Shelia Robertson’s arrival at honored Care Professional status at Home Instead® of Collin County, Texas, can be tied to sparks from two key sources many years ago: Shelia’s mother, who was a compassionate and heroic role model as a successful longtime nurse, and an influential book about American nursing legend Clara Barton that left a lasting impression.
Barton was a pioneering educator, nurse and humanitarian known throughout the United States as “The Angel of the Battlefield” for her fearless aid to Civil War soldiers. She founded the American Red Cross in 1881 at age 59 and led it for 23 years. “I read a book about Clara Barton in second grade,” recalled Shelia, who also simply listened and observed as her mother helped others day after day.
“I’ve always loved taking care of the elderly since I was young. As a family caregiver, I’ve always tried to help. We took turns taking care of my aunt and uncle. Even more, I cared for my mother and father until they passed away,” Shelia said.
Explaining her journey to the Home Instead family in Plano, where Chase and Taylor Crenwelge are the award-winning franchise co-owners, Shelia revealed: “I was looking for more work, and I interviewed with Amanda Ross, and she hired me.”
Amanda, Home Instead’s Care Pro Advocate, noted Shelia was perfect for the Care Pro position. For Shelia, touching lives impacts her soul, whether she is providing physical help such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders or personal care, or if she is offering emotional support in a companionship role.
Amanda said: “Shelia is simply wonderful. She is always happy and smiling. She knows how to read each client, and Shelia also is helpful and supportive to the client’s spouse or other family members. Shelia joined Home Instead in June 2023, and she has been in the home-health field for most of her working career. We are pleased to announce Shelia is our Care Pro of the Month for March.”
Amanda added: “I love sharing quotes from her clients, including:
- “Shelia shares the love.”
- “Shelia is just so patient. I asked Shelia to get Mom out and about, and that is exactly what Shelia did. She is amazing!”
- “From the moment I open the door, I felt Shelia’s warmth and kindness. My husband loved her care. When I asked him how it went with Shelia, he said, ‘Excellent,’ and he doesn’t talk much.”
- “Shelia is like family, and everybody loves her. She is a godsend to me.”
Amanda also said: “Shelia is a sweetie! She embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.”
When she asked what she likes most about her job, Shelia said, “Of course, the clients and the everyone in the office.” She offered: “One of my favorite client stories involved Mr. P. When he could, we’d walk and talk. After his clinical physical-therapy sessions, he would say, ‘Well, Shelia, we deserve a peach or strawberry shake, because we’ve worked hard.’ So, we would go to Chick-fil-A across from his physical therapy clinic. There are many memorable days with clients, and I love them all!”
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 HomeInstead.com/413
