Clients’ Compelling Backgrounds Fascinate Lisa
History has come alive for Home Instead® CAREGiver of the Month Lisa Steen. At least two of Lisa’s clients made prominent contributions to the Lubbock community and far beyond. Their fascinating historical references raised Lisa’s level of awareness of the Hub City’s rich culture and history.
One client went on a 30-day hunt with his parents during a 1948 African safari, where all three bagged their “Big 5.” Lisa said, “As a sharpshooting boy, the client’s main job on the safari was to get enough food to feed their hunting party, and he said the tribesmen were a great help. One day, he had 31 shots and bagged 31 animals to prepare for dinner. He documented everything.”
As Lisa assisted the client, she could gaze into his living room and see a stuffed bear, moose, elk, gazelle and deer trophies. “He also had a home in the New Mexico mountains with the lions, tigers, cheetah and other game trophies, with pictures of them all. Some were on top of beams in the two-story living room,” Lisa noted. “He owned a successful building firm and personally drew the building specs by hand for some of the most prominent Lubbock buildings. Most of his work is in the Museum of Texas Tech University.”
Another client was a college biology professor and brilliant scientist who had traveled the world and worked with her peers. She also wrote a book on ancient silversmithing and had numerous glass cases filled with silver pieces, from cutlery and serving dishes to jewelry and hair adornments. “They were all cataloged with who made the piece, when it was made and the origin. Her home was like a museum with a grand piano, organ and harpsichord. She had collector pieces from every country she visited. Her Lladró collection was beautiful and her art was like a gallery,” Lisa said.
It is evident that clients are drawn to Lisa because of her intense interest in them and their backgrounds and accomplishments. Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Juanita Camacho said, “Lisa loves to listen to the stories that our aging adults share and gives her full attention to our clients. Lisa always strives to meet our clients’ most urgent and personal needs.”
Noting that Lisa is a wonderful lady and CAREGiver, Juanita added: “We are so blessed with so many awesome CAREGivers, and Lisa is one of our go-to CAREGivers. When she is called to duty at the last minute, she responds with a cheerful voice and willingness to assist our clients. Lisa’s dedication and commitment to our clients and to Home Instead has been proved by her desire to meet all the needs of our clients.
Clients also quickly notice Lisa’s calm demeanor. “She immediately makes our clients feel at ease and confident that she will be able to care for them. Lisa’s positive attitude and beautiful smile are uplifting to anyone she meets. Lisa exhibits a sureness in her desire to care for our clients that brings peace of mind not only to the clients but also to the clients’ families.”
Lisa credits others with her caregiving success: “We CAREGivers receive wonderful support from our Home Instead staff. If we have questions or problems, staff members are available 24/7, and they are always kind and supportive. They work hard to make any change requests we throw at them. Basically, they are our anchor, and I praise God for them daily for all they do for their employees and especially for our clients. They have given Home Instead a good name in Lubbock and surrounding towns.”
Lisa became a full-time CAREGiver in January 2020 after she retired from the Texas Tech Federal Credit Union. Including part-time work, Lisa has been employed for nearly three years at Home Instead. Lisa looked into a CAREGiver job at the award-winning franchise owned by Tracy and Terry Baugh after hearing about Home Instead’s excellence. “One of my friends mentioned how much she liked Home Instead when her mom needed care,” she recalled. “My previous caregiving involved grandmothers and parents. Professionally, I have worked in banking and finance with roles in marketing and support.”
Explaining further, Lisa said: “After my mother fought breast cancer for three years as it moved throughout her body, it seemed easier to move in with her and Dad. The next year, Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. In yet another year, Mom developed leukemia from her chemotherapy treatments. They both passed away in 2012. It was such an honor to love and serve them through every emotion, challenge and setback. I thank God for every minute I had with them.”
All Home Instead CAREGivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (806) 281-4663 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
