2007 CAREGiver of the Year
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"Whenever I enter my clients' homes, I remember to make them happy by going in with a smile. And I always say that you haven't lived a perfect day until you've done something for someone who can never repay you," said CAREGiver of the Year Gerry Rious. About being a Home Instead CAREGiver, she said, "I'm really drawn to this job. I just love it."
Franchise Owner George Cestia is equally pleased that Gerry found her calling working for his office. During her time as a CAREGiver, Gerry has logged most of her hours working with a dementia client who has no family. On September 22, 2005, the job of serving as that client's CAREGiver took on a significant added dimension due to Hurricane Rita, which was bearing down on Louisiana. "Gerry took this client with her and her husband to a family home out of harm's way," George said. "We thought this would turn into a two-day trip, at most. However, two days turned into three weeks, since nobody could return to the city due to the utter devastation." "You'll find in Gerry a one-of-a-kind person who embodies the core values of a Home Instead CAREGiver," he commented. "I own the business, but Gerry is the business." In the following stories, you'll meet other Home Instead CAREGivers of the Year and learn about them and the power of their love - one of the many qualities that make them outstanding CAREGivers.