Malina Dorchak worked for 30 successful years as a Social Worker who served primarily in the child welfare system but also spent valuable time in the adult-protection division. “After retirement,” Malina said, “I figured out pretty quickly I needed to keep busy.” She worked at three jobs before landing with Home Instead® of Louisville, Colorado. That’s where she was honored as the franchise’s Care Professional of the Month after six months on the job.
During her stint with adult protection, Malina discovered her love of working with the senior population. “Through my Social Work experience,” she said, “I was able to develop skills to use while working with people one-on-one. For instance, I meet people where they are at emotionally and constantly ensure safety. I find I must be able to think on my feet quickly at times with clients, and my background has allowed me to come up with quick ‘next steps.’ ”
Following retirement, Malina first found a job in a small senior-care agency, where she provided in-home caregiving as she reconnected with the elderly population. “Unfortunately,” Malina said, “the company closed three months after I started. I went into the funeral industry, which was a whole new experience of working with people. When COVID-19 hit in 2020, I lost that job.”
Then Malina tried retail work with the Hallmark Cards, Inc., for three years as an assistant manager. She recalled: “That was a fun job with really great customers, some of whom I got to know very well. But I really started missing the one-on-one work with seniors, so I started searching. The nice thing was, I wasn’t in a rush to move on from Hallmark, so I did a lot of relevant and diligent research on in-home senior-care companies.”
In February 2025, Malina joined owner Michael Lammers’ award-winning Home Instead franchise of Boulder, Broomfield and northwest Adams Counties. “Home Instead has been a great fit. I liked the communities in which I’d be working as well as the extremely positive vibe from learning what Home Instead does,” Malina said. “The company truly wants the best for its clients. I was also attracted to the open and transparent communication that this company offers.”
Malina added: “From Day 1, I have felt supported and heard at Home Instead. When I interviewed, I was greeted with such warmth and kindness. While interviewing with Brenda, the questions were to the point but yet gathered a lot of information. She was so open that I kept thinking, ‘I have to work here! I’ll love it!’ Like everyone else, I was so nervous to get my first client, but the process was seamless and it was so much fun! My clients are well-matched, and Home Instead does an amazing job with Care Pro check-ins. I really appreciate that Libby and Kelli will take time to hear about ongoing client issues and offer awesome suggestions.”
Malina also pointed out: “The best thing about Home Instead is its openness to allow Care Pros to be creative in generating activities and outings for clients. I love that every day will be different. The clients are just amazing and a lot of fun! Every person has a story, and I have learned so much about history and how my clients have fit into their story! I have really enjoyed and learned from each client. I spend 15 hours with a week with a client who has late-stage dementia. She has taught me how to be more patient and creative. We both love, love, love dogs and are constantly on the lookout for dogs we can meet when we are out and about.”
Referring to the dementia client and her relationship with Malina, Home Instead Recruitment and Engagement Coordinator Brenda Munro said: “Other Care Pros often struggle with the client, but not Malina. We recently hosted our annual Care Pros’ summer party at our Home Instead office, where we set up games and a food truck. Malina was on shift and assisting her dementia client, and she brought the client to the party. It was great to see the bond they have developed.”
Brenda added: “Malina is reliable and super communicative with our office staff. She is always open to fill in when needed and is resilient! She doesn’t back away from challenging assignments.” Malina has adjusted to many different personalities. Her first client, whom she still assists, is a retired software engineer who is fairly isolated and not much of a people-person. “Through the months of working with him,” Malina said, “I have seen him open up and be more talkative and comfortable with asking for help with tasks.”
Ironically, Malina knew the value of professional caregivers long before she joined Home Instead. She recalled: “I found that, as a family caregiver, it was too hard for me to separate my personal feelings while trying to take care of a senior loved one. Our family hired outside caregivers to come in and care with my elderly parents. It took a ton of pressure off the family and allowed us to get a fresh perspective on what was happening.”
As an award-winning Care Pro, Malina savors the opportunity to touch lives, which impacts 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. “I just can’t say enough about how awesome it is to work for Home Instead!” she said.
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (720) 890-0184 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
