Mary’s Compassionate Heart Went on Display as a Seventh-Grader
During her seventh-grade year, Mary Cavazos became familiar with a slice of stark reality that most middle-school students never will experience. She compassionately began helping an uncle who has never walked. Fast-forward to today: Mary is her uncle’s power of attorney and checks on him often at a skilled nursing community in Odessa while she holds two jobs and works every day of the week.
Her family caregiving history and commitment to a person’s long-time well-being are remarkable and have withstood many challenges. “As the COVID-19 pandemic progressed, I could visit him only by looking through a window. It broke my heart. I visit as often as I can, usually not missing more than a day or two at a time. He understands. I work for Home Instead® at nights and on weekends, and at another job during the day,” said Mary, a CAREGiver of the Month for Home Instead of Midland-Odessa who does not professionally provide care for her uncle at his nursing home.
Mary is working two jobs simultaneously – she has been scrambling to make ends meet since the unexpected 2018 death of her husband, who had undergone back surgery and developed a fatal infection. “That’s one big plus about working for Home Instead – I like the flexible work hours because my other job is a day job. As far as Home Instead goes, I also like how they post fill-in shifts so I can take one if I have the opportunity,” Mary explained.
Owners William Shensky and Lorena Garza Shensky are happy to give Mary as many hours as she can handle at the award-winning Home Instead franchise. The office members are also always eager to plug Mary into their schedules.
Home Instead Assistant Administrator and Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Imelda Hawkins said: “With great honor, I announce our June 2021 CAREGiver of the Month is Mary. During our interview, Mary exhibited such a confident calmness with great knowledge about caregiving that I automatically knew she had to be in my next CAREGiver orientation class.”
Imelda added: “Mary has lived up to all expectations and has gone above and beyond the call of duty with all of our clients. She quickly became one of our clients’ favorites. Mary is a true example of caregiving from the heart. Thank you, Mary, for all you do. We are so happy you are a part of our team!”
Home Instead was thrilled to welcome Mary aboard because she brought a wealth of professional senior-care experience when she joined Home Instead on Jan. 7, 2021.
In a 10-year stretch, she worked for a care community that provided all levels of care, including independent living, assisted living, skilled care and memory care. At another care community, she worked as medication technician. Mary later worked as a private-duty caregiver for 12 years, when she was able to find clients by word of mouth. She was recommended by others because of the highly valued quality of her one-on-one care.
“Before I went to work for Home Instead, it was getting difficult to go into seniors’ homes as a private-duty caregiver because of the threat of COVID-19. I found Home Instead online,” Mary explained. “I take different shifts with different clients, and recently I joined a regular rotation of care for a 57-year-old gentleman who lives alone. We figured out we went through school in Midland at about the same time. We did not know each other then, but this fact still is an irony. Our graduating class was very large.”
The client, who overcame a battle with COVID-19, has multiple sclerosis. He was diagnosed 12 years ago and has been in a wheelchair for six years. Two other CAREGivers join Mary to form the client’s team. He needs a Hoyer lift for placement in and out of bed. Because of the challenges related to MS, Mary’s four-hour shifts with the client are busy, and she accomplishes his care by often working nonstop.
“For instance,” Mary explained, “we start at 10 p.m. to get him to bed by 11 p.m. He wants to be positioned in bed just right. It also takes about an hour for him to eat. He likes a variety of cooked meals made from scratch. He coaches us on his recipes. His refrigerator and pantry are well-stocked, and he picks the food. I help with meals and personal care, and take care of all light housekeeping ourselves. He is detailed-oriented.”
Companionship also has been an important element tucked into the client’s care needs. “He was going through a personal crisis that blindsided him when Home Instead began providing care. There were many days when we simply lent a compassionate ear, just listening. Sometimes it was emotional,” Mary explained.
Referring to Home Instead, Mary said: “I want to stay with the company. I am really happy, so happy.”
All Home Instead CAREGivers are screened, trained, bonded and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (432) 689-4663 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
