Home Instead

"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

"I just love being around people... When they're happy, then I am happy."

Darla Amlong joined Home Instead in 2022 after moving back to West Point to be closer to her aging mother and seeing firsthand how much it matters to have the right support at home. When one client wanted to spend a weekend with her daughter, Darla drove 181 miles round-trip to make it happen, turning the long drive into a weekend adventure. She has created hands-on tools to help clients overcome frustration and surprised farming families with practical harvest care packages. Darla looks for what will make the day lighter, easier, or more meaningful, and then she does it.

This level of care is exactly why Home Instead recognized her as one of 10 Care Pros of the Year.

Check out all of the 2025 Rising Care Pros of the Year stories here: https://bit.ly/46JGmR2

Caregiving has a way of bringing up life’s biggest questions.

In this episode of Caregiver Chats, Dr. Lakelyn welcomes back caregiving expert and author Dr. Aaron Blight for a more personal conversation about spirituality and faith in caregiving. If you remember his first appearance, you know how thoughtful his perspective is. This time, the focus turns to how caregivers find meaning, strength, and grounding during some of the hardest moments of life.

Caregiving often includes seasons of decline, uncertainty, and end of life. For many people, those experiences open the door to deeper reflection or a renewed sense of spirituality, no matter what they believe.

Together, they talk about:
• How spirituality can support caregivers across different belief systems
• The connection between meaning and resilience in caregiving
• Simple daily practices that can help sustain your spirit

If you have ever felt stretched emotionally or searched for something to hold onto during caregiving, this conversation will resonate.

🎧 Watch the full episode:
Apple: https://bit.ly/3QDDrnW
YouTube: https://bit.ly/4eeOaPo
Spotify: https://bit.ly/4n34cOK

Many families are surprised by how quickly old roles and patterns resurface when they begin living together again.

In this clip from Caregiver Chats, Jennifer FitzPatrick shares the lighthearted “48-hour rule” she and her sister follow — because after two days under the same roof, they slip right back into older-sister/younger-sister dynamics.

For caregivers, this isn’t unusual. After decades apart, moving back in with siblings or aging parents can stir up emotions, expectations, and long-standing family dynamics that are challenging to manage.

In this episode, Dr. Lakelyn and Jennifer explore why this happens and how families can navigate the psychological and emotional side of multigenerational living.

🎧 Watch or listen to the full episode: https://apple.co/4iTAWaX

As temperatures drop, we’re thinking about aging adults in our community. ❄️👇

Winter can be a tough season—icy sidewalks, rising heating costs, and longer nights can leave many feeling isolated and vulnerable. For aging adults, these challenges can feel even more overwhelming.

But it doesn’t have to be.

With the right preparation, our loved ones can navigate the colder months confidently.

Here are a few winter safety tips to get started: ⤵

❄️ Seal in the warmth: Weatherproof doors and windows to keep your home cozy and energy costs low.
❄️ Step confidently: Sturdy shoes with non-slip soles can prevent falls on icy surfaces.
❄️ Stay active indoors: Simple stretches or chair yoga can keep your body moving even when it’s too cold to go outside.
❄️ Be prepared for storms: Stock up on food, water, and medications so you’re ready for anything.

Connection is just as important as preparation. A phone call, visit, or quick check-in can make a big difference for someone navigating the challenges of winter. 💚

Read our full guide on winter safety tips here: https://bit.ly/4hV59Ga