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North Oakland County (Change Location)

Jul 30, 2024

Care Professional of the Month - July 2024

Written By: Brian Lahm for Home Instead of Waterford
Mariama Gay July 2024 Care Pro of the Month

Perfect Plan: Mariama’s Movie Outing Is a Hit With Client

The Home Instead® client was all smiles when she entered the theater with Care Professional Mariama to see a newly released movie. By the movie’s end, the client had tears in her eyes.

Mariama explained: “My client loves going to the movies, but she hadn’t had the chance in a while, so I planned a special outing for us. As the film played, I noticed her becoming completely absorbed in the story. When the credits rolled, she turned to me, her face filled with emotion, and said, ‘That was the most beautiful thing I’ve seen in ages.’ Her words touched my heart. That is one of my favorite client stories.”

Mariama added: “I was so happy to have provided her with this meaningful experience. Seeing the joy and fulfillment it brought her is why I find so much reward in my work as a Home Instead Care Pro. Simple gestures like this can make such a difference in our clients’ lives.”

Mariama’s compassion, thoughtfulness and knack for planning meaningful activities and outings for her clients are just a few of the reasons she was honored as Waterford franchise’s Care Pro of the Month. Mariama assists her clients on behalf of the award-winning office that serves Michigan’s Northern Oakland County and is owned by Glenna Yaroch.

After researching jobs on the internet, Mariama joined Home Instead on Dec. 1, 2023.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Home Instead team and serving our clients,” Mariama said. “What attracted me to the company was the mission, the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, the positive work culture and more attributes. My background and personal experiences made me realize I wanted to pursue a career in caregiving, and Home Instead aligned perfectly with my passion for supporting elderly and vulnerable individuals in my community.”

Home Instead General Manager Gail M. Wilk immediately knew her franchise was adding a gem to its Care Pro team. Mariama had gained valuable experience in professional caregiving roles, healthcare settings, social work and other jobs. She had worked as a caregiver and medication technician for three years. Mariama said: “That job allowed me to develop strong skills in patient and client care, medication management, meal preparation and other responsibilities. That background has been instrumental in my success as a Home Instead Care Pro.”

Gail said: “Mariama embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of ‘Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.’ She is someone who is exceptional at her work with any client.”

It’s easy to see that Mariama regards her Home Instead clients as highly as she did her own senior loved ones. “I have firsthand experience as a family caregiver, having cared for my grandfather and grandmother during their later years. Seeing the challenges they faced and the importance of having a compassionate, reliable caregiver made a profound impact on me. This personal experience has given me a deeper understanding of the needs and concerns of our clients and their families, and it has greatly shaped my approach to caregiving,” she said.

For Mariama, touching lives profoundly touches her soul, whether she is providing physical help such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders or personal care or if she is offering emotional support in a companionship role.

“What I enjoy most about my role as a Home Instead Care Pro is the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our clients. I take great pride in being able to provide personalized, compassionate care that allows our clients to maintain their independence and dignity. Seeing the positive impact I can have on their daily lives and well-being is incredibly rewarding.”

All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (248) 886-7300 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.

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