Sooner or later, everyone needs a Louisa Milligan, a person who is ready to step in and help when a need arises. That has been the story of her life. Consequently, serving as a Care Professional for Home Instead® of Itasca was the perfect job fit when Louisa joined owner Kelly Hutchison’s award-winning franchise almost four years ago.
Senior care is Louisa’s specialty, but over the years, she has been a nanny for several families, caring for newborns and elementary school-age children. She started working in hospitals early in her career in Texas as a nurses’ aid and did that for many years. Louisa worked with adults and the elderly, providing care during their stays in rehabilitation. Daily patient care included taking vitals, going on walks with patients, providing meals and nutrition and more. During the past 15 years, Louisa has been working in retirement homes and home care.
She also has served as a family caregiver. “I cared for both of my parents as they grew older and became ill. I left my job to tend to them full time so they could stay in their home together, and I managed their health care,” Louisa explained.
“My career has been about taking care of others and giving back to people around me and in my community,” she said.
On July 21, Home Instead Human Resources Manager Alina Merrill announced Louisa had been honored as the franchise’s Care Pro of the Month. Alina noted Louisa embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.” Alina and the Home Instead staff are glad Louisa listened to advice from others and landed with Home Instead.
Louisa recalled: “Friends had said good things about the company and service they were getting from Home Instead Care Professionals, who had cared for their aging parents and family members. I heard that the Home Instead staff and management, who were hiring, were looking for people who truly care about others and help make a difference in family needs. I applied, met the Home Instead staff and knew it was the place for me.”
Louisa’s job involves even more than her primary responsibilities of providing safety, comfort and necessary services for her clients. “What I like most about my job is caring for others and helping not just them, but also their families to have a peace of mind that their family member is being well cared for,” Louisa said.
“I enjoy meeting clients and hearing their stories about their lives and families. I get an opportunity to meet with their family members whose only concern is for the well-being of their senior loved ones. I’m there to help support them all by offering the best care possible. My job is not always easy, but it is rewarding. Every day, I am grateful for the clients I support. I also am grateful for the Home Instead staff.”
One client in particular touched Louisa’s heart.
“Mr. G. was a wonderful man whose life was about his marriage, the war, overcoming hardship, finding a successful career and having a family. I provided care for him during some very difficult health issues. He always welcomed me with a smile and a story each time I was scheduled, no matter how good or bad he was feeling. Both he and his wife were grateful for my support, care and conversation. That made my job much more than a job,” Louisa said.
Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (847) 690-9825 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
