Carrie’s Mission to Help Others Is a Spiritual One
“As a Christian, I feel a deep calling to help those in need, and I view our Home Instead® clients as an important part of that mission. I often reflect on the time when I may one day require assistance myself. When that day comes, I hope to have someone by my side who shows the same compassion and dedication that I strive to offer to others every day.”
Home Instead Care Professional Carrie Oliver
Carrie Oliver’s words tell you everything you need to know about her heart. Carrie’s life of compassion and empathy for others has extended to the past 19 months with Home Instead of Clearwater, Florida, where she was honored as the award-winning franchise’s Care Pro of the Month for July.
“Throughout my life,” Carrie said, “I have lived by the principle of treating others as I would like to be treated. Caring for Home Instead clients and making them feel valued comes naturally to me, all while maintaining a respectful and comfortable approach.”
Carrie initially joined Home Instead in November 2023, took a brief leave in January 2024 for a medical procedure and returned a month later. The impetus to apply at owner Julie Castle’s Home Instead franchise came from a television commercial. “I thought to myself that it was something I’d be interested in,” Carrie said. “I went online to research home-health providers and came across several companies, but Home Instead immediately caught my attention.”
Carrie recalled: “During my job interview, Rachel Mribiha, one of the franchise’s employee recruiters, conducted everything beautifully. Her professionalism and warmth truly stood out. Although Home Instead was in need of help, she made me feel genuinely welcomed and valued as a potential part of the team, which sparked my desire to join the company.”
Rachel immediately discovered that Carrie was a “people person” who always has wanted the best for the people with whom she has come into contact. “For 27 years,” Carrie explained, “I worked as a marketing customer service representative, engaging with 75 to 100 people daily. Through this experience, I developed strong skills in customer care, connecting with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Building meaningful relationships and communicating effectively with a wide range of clients was essential to performing my role successfully.”
Before joining Home Instead, Carrie experienced senior care on a personal level as a family caregiver. “My mother once needed a caregiver, but she struggled with accepting that help because it reminded her she was getting older and could no longer do everything she wanted,” Carrie recalled.
“As a family, we surrounded her with love and support, making sure she knew she wasn’t alone. That experience taught me the importance of compassion. So, when Home Instead clients become frustrated or irritable, I respond with patience and understanding. I strive to be there for them, helping with the things they can no longer do on their own and making their days a little brighter and more enjoyable.”
Carrie explained her job fulfillment as a Home Instead Care Pro.
“While many people rely on our services,” Carrie pointed out, “it’s the small, meaningful moments that make this work truly rewarding. When I’m leaving at the end of my shift and my client asks, ‘When are you coming back?’ it brings a smile to my face and fills my heart with gratitude. Knowing that someone appreciates my help and is glad I was there means so much to me. Each day, my goal is to bring a little sunshine into their lives and help make their day just a bit brighter and better.”
Carrie’s unique, individual Care Pro-client experiences have been etched indelibly into her memory, mental images that will last a lifetime. “I had a client whose mornings would start with breakfast, after which I helped him complete his daily tasks,” Carrie recalled. “We often spent time together watching TV, and he especially enjoyed the animal and wildlife channels.”
Carrie added: “One day, while I was off, he watched a program where a baby giraffe was stuck during birth and the zookeeper had to help deliver it. The next day, when I arrived, he was so excited to tell me about it. His enthusiasm reminded me of a proud parent sharing the birth of a child. Seeing his excitement and knowing he wanted to share that moment with me made me feel truly special as his Care Pro.”
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (727) 799-1400 or visit our website.
