It’d be an understatement to say Home Instead® Care Professional of the Month Maritza Barillas got an early start in caregiving. She hadn’t yet reached her teenage years when she began serving as a family caregiver for her grandmother, who had battled at least two major chronic health challenges.
Maritza poignantly recalled: “I took care of my grandmother, who had Type 2 diabetes and dementia. From the age of 12 until I moved to the United States at 17, I helped her with tasks, such as checking her blood pressure and blood-sugar levels. We also took walks together in our neighborhood, which were some of my favorite moments with her.”
When Maritza joined owner Greg Gomez-Mira’s award-winning Home Instead franchise in south-central Houston more than two years ago, the office staff was delighted to hire a multi-talented employee. “I have experience as both a caregiver and a paralegal. In addition to my work at Home Instead, I am also a college student, majoring in psychology. My background in caregiving has given me a deep appreciation for working with people,” Maritza said.
Maritza found Home Instead online when she was searching for a job. The hiring process was smooth, she noted, pointing out: “I already had my CNA certification. Initially, I pursued my CNA to become a nurse, but over time, I decided to take a different path.”
Home Instead Scheduling Coordinator Jessica Williams announced Maritza’s Care Pro of the Month honor. Jessica explained: “Maritza hit the ground running for us! She’s one of our exceptional Care Professionals who has a true passion for the job. For example, Maritza recently worked a 36-hour shift because of Winter Storm Enzo, when we had so much snow and ice on the roads, and transportation was hindered or completely shut down.”
Among the considerations for reaching Care Pro of the Month status, an employee has shown she has gone above and beyond the call of duty, Jessica pointed out. Empathy and compassion are taken into account for the award, as well as skill and wisdom for dealing with challenging situations. Maritza 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.
Maritza said: “What I love most about this job is the opportunity to provide care, love and companionship to my clients. Many of them feel lonely. Being there for them whether through conversation, simple gestures or just spending time together makes a difference in their lives.”
Maritza finds job fulfillment by drawing on many client memories that she’ll never forget.
“One of my most cherished experiences was with a client I cared for over a year. She was in her late 90s, an incredibly kind and intelligent woman who became like a grandma to me,” Maritza said. “The client always encouraged me to pursue my goals and never give up. Every morning, we’d sit together and have a cup of coffee while she shared stories from her youth. She had a deep love for her family and enjoyed cooking, something she was passionate about. Her wisdom and kindness made me a better person, and I’ll always be grateful for the time we shared.”
Maritza’s Home Instead franchise serves Houston, 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.
