Aimee Was ‘Born a Caregiver From the Depths of Her Soul’
Home Instead® Care Professional of the Month Aimee Walker explained the “whys” and “hows” of a life devoted to the service of others:
“I was born a caregiver down into the very depths of my soul, all thanks to God. Being a caregiver is not only my career, it’s who I am as a person. I have been in the medical field in some capacity for more than 20 years. One of my purposes on this Earth is to care for people, be it at work or outside of work. It’s my life!”
No one knows that better than Imelda Hawkins. She is the human resources director, assistant administrator and recruitment and engagement coordinator for Home Instead of Midland-Odessa, Imelda recalled the memorable day when Aimee walked into the franchise’s office at 3001 West Illinois Avenue in Midland.
“Aimee found her way to Home Instead on the 28th of December in 2021. One might consider Aimee to be our Christmas present at Home Instead. Aimee came to us with a lot of experience, including two stints with Home Instead of Round Rock, Texas. Aimee has been an instant hit with all of our clients because of her cheerful demeanor and Care Pro knowledge. One thing that sets Aimee apart is that she seeks out training and is always calling for shifts. Aimee is a great asset to Home Instead,” Imelda said.
Aimee originally found Home Instead after managing an independent living home in Round Rock, Texas. It closed, and the 20-year career CNA went back to working in home health.
Aimee explained: “I saw Home Instead had good reviews, so I applied and was hired in March 2016. I moved to Pennsylvania in 2017, and then to Florida in 2018. In 2019, I moved back to the Round Rock area and began working at Home Instead again, from October to December, but I needed to move back to West Texas to help my family. I again sought out Home Instead because I know it is a great company.”
Thirteen years earlier, Aimee also served as a family caregiver. Her senior loved one was “Me-Maw,” her great-grandmother. “I was able to take care of Me-Maw in 2006. She was a wonderful Christian woman who unfortunately had become ill with dementia, Parkinson’s, skin cancer and diabetes. My great-grandfather could not care for her on his own. I was living in Midland at the time, and I moved home to be her caregiver, so I am able to understand both sides of caregiving. I understand quite well how family members can be so afraid when welcoming strangers into their loved ones’ homes,” Aimee said.
Aimee was more than qualified to help her great-grandmother. “My first job was in child care in 1997. In 1998, I started working in mental health. I went to Howard College in Big Spring, Texas, in 2003, where I received my CNA certification,” Aimee explained.
Aimee has found a home with Home Instead, an award-winning franchise owned by Lorena and William Shensky since March 2020.
“What I love most about working for Home Instead is the kindness of the staff, family members and clients I meet. Everyone has been so kind and welcoming,” Aimee said. “If I need a shift, the office staff gets right on it, and they do whatever they can to get me out in the field.”
Aimee added, “They provide training refreshers and are always trying to make their Care Pro staff, clients and family members happy and comfortable. I love that they recognize everyone for birthdays and holidays, and for going above and beyond and so much more! This is absolutely the best company I have ever worked for, right here in Midland, Texas.”
Even more, Aimee pointed out: “Whenever I have had an emergency, they have understood and reached out to make sure everything is OK. It doesn’t get better than that! They truly care!”
One of Aimee’s favorite Home Instead stories concerns her current client in Big Spring.
“He and I had been friends before he began receiving professional in-home care. I had been working for another company as well as Home Instead when I was told I had a new client. It ended up being this gentleman. He suffered a heart attack in September 2022, and he asked the hospital to call me immediately. He knew he could count on me to come to his side right away because our friendship is just that strong and meaningful,” Aimee said. “The bottom line is that we’ve been the best of friends for quite a while. He trusts me as if I were his own family member, and I trust him as if he were mine!”
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.
