Guadalupe: ‘I Embrace My Clients as if They Were My Parents’
Home Instead® Care Professional of the Month Guadalupe Torres will never forget the cherished memories of her late parents. Those remembrances – happy and sad – are part of the reason Guadalupe chose professional senior care for her work career. “I embrace my clients as if they were my parents. My situation with Home Instead feels as if I am taking care of my parents,” said Guadalupe, who joined Home Instead of San Angelo, Texas, on Sept. 23, 2022.
Family is dear to Guadalupe, who sometimes sheds tears when thinking of the tough times. “I have a heavy heart because I wasn’t able to help my mother, who was a very good stay-at-home mom. She passed away at age 53. It hit me hard when my mother got sick, and I wish I could have helped take care of her. I had a baby who was 3 months old then, and I had a job, so my hands were full. I’ve thought, ‘If God had just let her live a little longer. … ,” recalled Guadalupe as her voice trailed off. She had more time with her father, who passed away at age 87.
As the years went by, Guadalupe found more time to help family and close friends as an unpaid caregiver. “I served as a family caregiver for my husband’s aunt. I also took care of an aunt who was my dad’s sister. I had grandchildren already when I helped them. Both of them are gone, with the last one passing away last Christmas at a hospital. In addition, I helped my daughter’s godmother, who wanted me to stay with her 24/7, but I couldn’t,” Guadalupe said.
Guadalupe, well into her fourth year with the award-winning Home Instead franchise owned by William and Lorena Shensky, pointed out: “I’ve been doing this kind of work all my life, with a different agency, also for a short time at a nursing home, as a private-duty caregiver and now with Home Instead. I love my job. I love meeting new people, making friends, developing bonds and forming relationships. I know why I am with a client – nothing about it is inward pointed to me – my focus is on their safety and comfort. As far as our staff and fellow Care Pros, they are good people. I met many of the other Care Pros at our Christmas party. They are wonderful.”
Before Guadalupe joined the Home Instead team, Human Resources Coordinator and Recruitment Coordinator Imelda Hawkins interviewed her. “When I applied for my position online, I found Imelda, who interviewed and hired me,” Guadalupe said. “Imelda introduced me to the client I’ve had for the past three years and three months.” Imelda’s judgment has been roundly applauded. Home Instead Engagement and Training Coordinator Rozephyr Jean said Guadalupe made an immediate impact: “Her commitment to Home Instead of San Angelo has not gone unnoticed. Guadalupe has been a valued member of our team since the day she started.”
Rozephyr added: “We are excited to kick off the New Year by recognizing Guadalupe as our Care Pro of the Month. Her dedication has been nothing short of exceptional. Guadalupe is as consistent as they come – no call-offs, no complaints and always a positive attitude. She serves each client with a huge heart and regularly goes above and beyond, often working outside of her designated availability to ensure her clients receive the best possible care. When a short-notice shift comes up, Guadalupe is someone we can always count on to step in. She attends every training and franchise event, bringing smiles, encouragement and positivity wherever she goes. We are incredibly grateful for her reliability, compassion and unwavering dedication to both her clients and our agency. Congratulations, Guadalupe, and thank you for all you do!”
Guadalupe’s client memories would fill a book.
“I encountered a male client who had very loving attitude toward us Care Pros. He died last March. When I first began helping him, he rhetorically asked me, ‘How long will I live?’ and then answered his own question with ‘As long as God permits me to live,’ ” Guadalupe said.
“During my shifts, when I finished with my responsibilities, I would read his Bible devotionals to him. There was one for each day of the week. He enjoyed it, and I enjoyed it,” Guadalupe recalled. “He had hundreds of stories. He was a military veteran who told me about his service. At 18, he answered the call to serve his country, joining the Army during World War II. During his final tour, he battled malaria, proving his remarkable resilience. He also talked a lot about his family. His beloved wife of 60 years died in 2006.”
Guadalupe added: “I spent his last year with him before he died, and it hurt when he died. He didn’t quite get to 101. I’ll never forget him. He was a very sweet man. All clients have been kind. They have unique ways of showing their appreciation. When I look to the future, I want to keep going as long as I am capable. I’ve been assisting a man for three years and three months. I don’t plan to leave him. I also want to be available to be with a longtime woman client if she makes it home from the hospital. I feel devoted to my clients.”
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (325) 644-8387 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
