Connie: Serving as a Care Pro Is the Best Thing I’ve Done
Twice-honored Care Professional of the Month Connie Brown has experienced the highs and lows of professional senior care during nearly four years with Home Instead® of Midland-Odessa, and Connie knows one thing for sure: “This is best thing I have done. I have always liked helping others.”
“My most memorable client was a man who liked watching soap operas, and we would watch them together and laugh. No matter what he was going through, he always had a positive attitude,” Connie said. “One Monday, when I came back after my usual weekend off, and he didn’t answer the door. I knew then he had passed away. That was really hard.”
Connie also recalled: “One of my clients lit up when she saw me come through the door, and she loved to go for walks in the park with me. What I like most as a Home Instead Care Pro is making a difference in the lives of my clients.”
She added: “Home Instead is a great company that cares for its Care Pros. They paid for a college caregiving class, which helped me with areas in which I was needing help. That class really made me a better Care Pro. William and Lorena Shensky are great owners.”
Imelda Hawkins, a former award-winning Care Pro who now wears many hats as the Home Instead human resources director, assistant administrator and recruitment and engagement coordinator, pointed out Connie came aboard in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic when she was hired May 27, 2020.
“I’m sure coming into a new job must have been scary for a new Care Pro, but Connie was up for the challenge,” Imelda said. “Seven months later, in December 2020, Connie was selected as our Care Pro of the Month for the first time. We honored her again with the same award in
January 2023. Connie has flourished so much. She attends all of our training sessions and is able to work with our specialized clients. Connie is a true gem for us! We absolutely love her!”
Connie has dealt with personal challenges. She had knee surgery nearly three months before she joined Home Instead in May 2020. “I had been a cook in several child day-care facilities and was looking for something different and less stressful on my knees. When I was looking online, I found Home Instead. Communication with the staff is good, and I can always reach someone when needed. Home Instead’s flexibility is great,” Connie noted.
The Home Instead staff understood when it came time for Connie to serve as a family caregiver. Connie explained: “I’ve had the chance to care for my mom. She was diagnosed with bone cancer. I got to spend the time and care for her. Her last days were rough, and she was the first person I saw die. I was there when she took her last breath. It was tremendously sad, but at the same time, it was meaningful to me.”
Imelda said: “As a family caregiver and an award-winning Care Pro, Connie stands out. She demonstrates our franchise’s core values: ‘We honor God in all we do; Treat each other with dignity and respect; Encourage growth in ourselves and others; Build value in our service to others.’ In addition to those core values, it’s easy to see Connie also lives the Home Instead principles of ‘Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.’ ”
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (432) 689-4663 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
