Before Home Instead® Care Professional of the Month Ramonda “Mona” Tezeno began helping an 82-year-old client, most of the residents at the client’s independent care community didn’t know him because he rarely ventured outside his apartment. … and he had been living there for two years, since he moved from the East Coast to the Houston area to be closer to family.
The reason for the client’s self-imposed isolation? Mona explained: “He is aware of his Alzheimer’s and had gotten self-conscious. He preferred to have his meals delivered to his room. He was so reserved when I met him. On our first day, his daughter took us to lunch so we could get acquainted. He is a former college professor who is such a gentleman with such chivalry. He spoils me. He opens the door for me. He is respectful. He appreciates my help.”
Mona has infused confidence into the client, emphasizing that forgetfulness and repetitiveness are a part of anyone’s life regardless of age. “He is coming out of his shell. He knows his challenges and has come to grips with them. Now he speaks first to people rather than waiting for them to address him. I gently persuaded him to go to the dining room. Sometimes he will say, ‘I just don’t remember.’ But he remembers the shortened form of my name,” Mona said.
What was Mona’s magic touch? Companionship and great listening skills top the list. Mona said: “He gives me new information all the time as far as his background goes. I like to challenge him to do things to help him remember. We talk, and it is a time for him to think about things. We go over the day’s date, the month and the year. When he asks, ‘When will I see you again?’ I tell him. The bonding occurred immediately. It feels as if his quality of life has improved.”
Mona assists the client on three weekdays but not the weekends. “When I return after I’ve been gone a day or two, I ask the staff how he’s doing to get a gauge on his activity level. They say he does come to the dining room, but he is very shy about mingling. He did go on his own to the beautiful activities area, where I’d previously taken him. They have a big game room where the residents can play billiards, cards, ping-pong and other things.”
Mona added: “There are so many positive things. His mobility is good – he walks as fast as I do. He tries to be organized. He remembers how to use the washer and dryer. He showers by himself and wears clean clothes. When I ask what he wants to do, he says, ‘I’ll follow you,’ so he’s willing to venture out. His family live fairly close by, and they are only a phone call away. I send photos of him to his cell phone so he can show his family when they visit/”
The client’s family appreciates Mona’s efforts. They know they don’t have to worry about their senior loved one when she is with him. They also are pleased with Mona’s efforts to “stretch his world” and make his life more fulfilling and meaningful.
On Feb. 25, 2025, Mona joined owner Greg Gomez-Mira’s award-winning Home Instead franchise that serves south-central Houston. Mona found Home Instead on Indeed.com while seeking an in-home care job. She previously had done private-duty caregiving for five years, and Mona comes from a close-knit, multi-generational family where family members generally take care of their senior loved ones.
Mona works with two regular clients – both men – and enjoys her time with them. “Both clients are like matches made in heaven for me,” Mona said. Five months after Mona joined Home Instead, Scheduling Coordinator Jessica Williams announced Mona had been honored as Care Pro of the Month for July. Jessica said: “Mona displays Home Instead’s guiding principles of ‘Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.’ ”
Mona said she found a great company. “When I took the job with Home Instead, I did not know what to expect. I had been on my own as a private-duty caregiver for so long. I thought I’d have to make some big adjustments. The Home Instead staff makes it easy. They want you to call if you have questions or observations. I enjoy Home Instead,” she said.
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.
