Home Instead

"I have a ministry of encouraging people."

Joy Karienye brings discipline and purpose to her work as a Care Pro. Before joining Home Instead, she was a professional marathon runner who competed in 23 countries and served as an Adidas ambassador, a routine of 4 a.m. runs that still centers her each day. After immigrating from Kenya, she felt called to caregiving and changed her name to Joy to reflect her mission to help others heal. That determination shows in her care, including helping a 98-year-old client regain strength after a serious injury and come off hospice. Joy helps clients rebuild confidence and connection one steady step at a time.

Meet all of the 2025 Rising Care Pros of the Year: https://bit.ly/46JGmR2

"Every single person is special for me. Everyone has something to tell you."

Margarita Arreola has been caring for older adults since 1995, first supporting a husband and then choosing to continue caring for his wife after he passed. That decision shaped the way she works to this day. Since joining Home Instead in 2022, she has become the steady presence families rely on, especially in hospice and complex cases.

Margarita reads moods quickly and responds with quiet, physical reassurance, calming anxious mornings, warming cold hands, and celebrating small wins like a client standing on their own for a few extra seconds. This level of care is exactly why Home Instead recognized her as one of 10 Care Pros of the Year.

Check out more inspiring stories from the 2025 Rising Care Pros of the Year: https://bit.ly/46JGmR2

“Be someone they can talk to. They need to be heard. They need to be loved.”

Milagros Fernandez’s life has been shaped by courage and care. After leaving Cuba at 19 and building a new life in the United States, she discovered her calling in caregiving, first in a nursing home, then at home with her own mother for eight years after a stroke.

That experience continues to guide her. Milagros cares for every client the way she cared for her mom, with patience, dignity, and a wholehearted presence. Families describe her as a blessing, someone who brings comfort in both the quiet moments and times of crisis, often adding thoughtful touches like homemade flan to make a house feel more like home.

For Milagros, the greatest reward is simple: knowing she’s made someone feel seen, supported, and loved. It’s this deep compassion that makes her care unforgettable.

Discover more inspiring stories from the 2025 Rising Care Pros of the Year: https://bit.ly/46JGmR2

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and caregivers, this message is for you. 💚 In this clip, Dr. Lakelyn reminds us that your well-being matters just as much as the care you give. Take a breath. You’re not alone, and you deserve support too.

🎧 Tune into Caregiver Chats wherever you get your podcasts to join our community and find helpful resources for navigating care.

“The first year I was with him, his gerontologist actually tested him and saw an improvement in his cognitive scores.”

Barb McGee joined Home Instead in 2020 and quickly became known for her thoughtful, deeply personalized dementia care. She prepares for each visit with intention, creating activities that help clients reconnect with who they have always been. For one former biology professor, that meant picking up a paintbrush.

Whether sitting beside someone at end of life or stepping in to support her team, Barb brings a steady presence and genuine connection to every home. This level of care is exactly why Home Instead recognized her as one of 10 Care Pros of the Year.

Check out more inspiring stories from the 2025 Rising Care Pros of the Year: https://bit.ly/46JGmR2