Willie: ‘Working for Home Instead Has Changed My Life’
Home Instead® Care Professional of the Month Wilfredo “Willie” Maldomingo’s life has been marked by a number of unforgettable events. For one, he came to America from Cuba on a small raft in 1995. The shortest route from Cuba to the U.S. is 90 miles, which is across the Florida Straits, and it can be treacherous. Paying tribute to Willie’s courage and resourcefulness, Home Instead Director of Care Professional Services JC Crady offered: “Willie has some truly interesting stories.”
When asked recently about his life’s milestones, Willie didn’t talk about himself. He excitedly was celebrating his mother’s recent arrival to America on a flight from Cuba to Miami, where Willie traveled for an emotional reunion. After mentioning that memorable late September event, Willie switched gears and chose to bring up Home Instead of Clearwater, an award-winning franchise owned by Julie Castle.
“I’ve been working for Home Instead since May 10, 2023, and it has changed my life. I wish to thank Home Instead and thank my friend, who helped me with contacting Home Instead in the first place. I would like to thank all of my clients’ family members because they make me feel as if I am part of their families. God bless you all,” said Willie, who was honored last spring as a Care Pro of the Month. JC announced his award.
Among the considerations for achieving Care Pro of the Month status, an employee has shown he has gone above and beyond the call of duty. Empathy and compassion are taken into account for the award, as well as skill and wisdom for dealing with challenging situations. Willie embodies Home Instead’s guiding principles of “Build Trust, Take the Lead and Share Your Heart.” He is someone who is exceptional at his work with any client, JC emphasized.
The Cuban native, who went to St. Petersburg High School, earned his CNA license in 1995. “I have been working in the field since then,” Willie explained. “I would like to thank Home Instead for giving me the opportunity to grow my skills. The things I like the most about my job are helping my clients and being dedicated to them with respect to meeting their needs.”
Willie added: “My clients all are part of my favorite history. God bless them. When I help my clients, it makes me feel as if I’m helping members of my own family. I have a particular client who loves to sing while he is in the shower. It makes me feel so happy because I know he’s happy, and we both are having a great time.”
For Willie, touching lives impacts his soul, whether he is providing physical help such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders or personal care or if he is offering emotional support in a companionship role.
Willie loves being a part of the Care Pro team for the Pinellas County franchise, a member of a network comprised of Home Instead, Inc. and its parent company, Honor. With the world’s largest home-care network and the most advanced care platform, Honor and Home Instead are revolutionizing care for older adults, their families and Care Pros. Combined, the network has more than 100,000 Care Pros across 13 countries, meeting the growing needs of millions of older adults and their families worldwide.
All Home Instead Care Professionals are screened, trained and insured. For inquiries about employment, please call (727) 799-1400 or apply online. For further information about Home Instead, visit our website.
