When it comes to patience and empathy, perhaps few others have more of those caregiving qualities than Home Instead® Care Professional of the Month Celestine Yemeck. The fact that she slowly and adeptly overcame a client’s resistance to much-needed help is an example of Celestine’s innate ability to model Home Instead’s guiding principles of “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.”
“One of my favorite experiences involves a client who lives with dementia. In the beginning, he had a very hard time trusting me. He often refused my help and preferred to be left alone, sometimes even getting upset when I tried to assist him. But I remained patient, calm and kind, always gently reassuring him I was there to help,” Celestine explained.
The client needed constant supervision and assistance, so Celestine had to be close to him throughout the day, even when he asked Celestine to leave. “At first,” Celestine recalled, “the client had a good relationship with other Care Pros, but not with me. I saw that as a personal challenge. I wanted to build a bond with him too.”
Celestine added: “With time, he began to open up. He started trusting me more, accepting my care and even engaging in conversation. Eventually, we began sharing small jokes and laughing together. Today, we have a beautiful connection, and he no longer resists my help. I’m very proud of the progress we’ve made, and I feel honored to be part of his care journey. I’ve also learned a lot about his culture through our time together.”
Celestine’s amazing progress with the client did not go unnoticed by the office staff and other Care Pros at Home Instead of south-central Houston, an award-winning franchise that is owned by Greg Gomez-Mira. Nearly two months after joining Home Instead, Scheduling Coordinator Jessica Williams announced Celestine had been honored as a Care Pro of the Month. “Yes, Celestine is a new Care Pro, and she really hit the ground running. She’s been a blessing to our clients,” Jessica said.
Celestine is a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA), and she has worked as a professional caregiver in various settings. Celestine noted: “I also have experience in different part-time caregiving jobs. Beyond that, I’m continuously expanding my knowledge in healthcare and personal development to better support my clients.”
Celestine found Home Instead through a Google search. She explained: “I was looking for a caregiving company that aligns with my values – compassion, respect, and support for people in need. That’s how I discovered Home Instead, and I immediately felt that it was a place where I could grow and make a difference.”
Before entering the realm of professional senior care, Celestine had served as a family caregiver. She said: “I’ve had personal caregiving experiences within my own family. I took care of close relatives when they were going through difficult health situations. It was during those times I discovered how much I enjoy being there for others – not just physically, but emotionally as well.” She added: “What I love most is the opportunity to create meaningful connections with my clients. I enjoy being able to support them not just through physical assistance, but also by offering emotional comfort. I love learning from their life stories, cultures, and experiences – it’s a mutual exchange of care and wisdom.”
Celestine assists seniors on behalf of a Houston-area franchise that also serves Arcola, Bellaire, First Colony, Fresno, Greatwood, Iowa Colony, Lake Olympia, Meyer Park, Meyerland, Missouri City, Pearland, Quail Valley, Riverstone, Rosharon, Shadow Creek Ranch, Sienna Plantation, Stafford, Sugar Land, Sunnyside, Sweetwater, Thompsons and Westbury.
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (713) 774-2215 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
