Winning over a client’s wife was easy for Home Instead® Care Professional of the Month Dianne Rodriguez. Dianne had to work a little harder to win the trust of the husband client, but as senior-care challenges go, it was no big deal. Home Instead Care Pro Advocate Amanda Ross said, “Dianne is an amazing Care Pro. Every client falls in love with Dianne.”
Shortly after joining Home Instead of Collin County in February 2017, Dianne went to help the couple. Recounting the situation, Dianne said: “The wife, who also was a client, took to having a Care Pro really well. She was a retired teacher who enjoyed having me help with the cooking, taking her places and doing all the little things she needed. I quickly went from three days a week to five days a week.”
But her husband was a bit reluctant in the beginning. “All he would let me do was make his breakfast,” Dianne recalled. “He fussed when I helped shave him with his electric razor. After a while, I persuaded him to let me help him shave with a regular razor. My husband gave me some pointers, such as putting a nice, warm washcloth on his face before we put on the shaving cream. The routine soon included several warm washcloths before and after. With the sounds he made when I would do it, I could see he had poor circulation and was cold all the time.”
Dianne added: “We would laugh, and he’d tell stories as his daily shave took a good half-hour. After that, he got comfortable enough to let me help him with personal grooming that included a foot bath.” Sadly, the day came when the client passed away. “I miss this man. When he went to heaven, it about broke my heart. He was the first client I ever lost. His wife moved into a retirement center, and after COVID-19 came along, she was no longer a client. But during the time I helped them, she became family. I still visit her,” Dianne said.
When Dianne and her husband moved from Longview, Texas, to the Plano area, in 2016, she already had accumulated plenty of professional senior-care experience. “I took five months off from work after we moved from Longview, and then I put my resume online where Home Instead found it and contacted me by phone,” Dianne explained.
She conducted two phone interviews with two office personnel and then was asked for an in-person interview. Dianne was hired, pending a background check. “Home Instead liked the fact that I love this line of work. In my previous senior-care job, I had only one other client, but I was with him for six years. The only reason I left him was because we moved, but I visited him when I got the chance. I didn’t have much experience until then. That was in 2010.”
Dianne explained the fulfillment she receives from her work. “I could not see myself doing any other job. I fall in love with helping people, especially the seniors. They have my heart, and I have learned so much from the many clients with whom I have been blessed. They not only let me into their homes but also let me into their lives. Some even let me into their hearts, and some look at me as family. So, yes, I am blessed,” Dianne said.
Amanda said: “Dianne is just absolutely adorable with her clients, and the families love her just as much. Her regular client is so spoiled by Dianne. During the weekend shift, the client knows everything will be all lined out for them.”
Amanda added: “Dianne is very proactive and detailed. Her husband has had some health issues during the past couple of years, so she has cared for him as well. She has remained consistent with Home Instead. On two personal notes, I can tell you that Dianne and her husband are motorcycle enthusiasts. And despite living in Dallas Cowboys country, she’s a Saints fan!”
Dianne embraces her role with the Care Pro team for the Plano-based franchise, a member of a network comprised of Home Instead, Inc. and its parent company, Honor. Dianne said: “I love that Home Instead gives me a chance to make a difference in people’s lives. At Home Instead, we are family. I love this company and the many people that work for them.”
With the world’s largest home-care network and the most advanced care platform, Honor and Home Instead are revolutionizing care for older adults, their families and Care Pros. Combined, the network has more than 100,000 Care Pros across 13 countries, meeting the growing needs of millions of older adults and their families worldwide. Todd Felker owns the award-winning Collin County franchise that is celebrating its 15th year.
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (469) 916-9202 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
