Carolina Sandoval never expected to build a career in-home care. In fact, her path included roles in administration and even a paralegal degree. But when she became a caregiver in 2013, she discovered something special: a passion for providing care and forming deep connections with clients. Today, as a Caregiver Manager at Family Resource Home Care’s Tri-Cities branch, Carolina brings years of hands-on experience to the team, ensuring caregivers feel supported and clients receive exceptional care.
Finding Her Calling in Home Care
Carolina’s journey into caregiving wasn’t planned. Initially, she was searching for a job that offered benefits, which led her to a position as a direct support professional working with developmentally disabled clients. Over time, she gained experience at various home care agencies, where she completed the Home Care Aide program. But it was one of her friends, a longtime Family Resource Home Care employee, who encouraged Carolina to apply at Family Resource Home Care—and she was hired on the spot as a caregiver. After working with Family Resource Home Care as a caregiver, Carolina felt inspired to apply for the Caregiver Manager position, especially after watching Krista, one of the current Caregiver Managers, work diligently to make sure everything was smooth sailing for caregivers and clients.
“I came into the office to ask about the Caregiver Manager position, wondering if it would be a good fit,” Carolina recalls. “The admin team encouraged me to apply, and I got the job! Krista and Angela saw talents in me that even I didn’t know I had.”
Her diverse background, which included administrative work and experience in multiple care settings, gave her a unique perspective. She also admired the hard work of leaders like Krista, which inspired her to take on new challenges. “Watching them made me think, ‘I can do this too,’” she says. With additional encouragement from Katie, another Caregiver Manager, Carolina stepped into the role, ready to lead caregivers with empathy and firsthand knowledge of the job.
Carolina Supporting Caregivers with Experience and Empathy
Having spent over a decade as a caregiver, Carolina understands the challenges caregivers face. She knows the importance of feeling heard, supported, and empowered to navigate tough situations.
“I’ve been through so many different client experiences,” she explains. “Because of that, I can connect with caregivers on a personal level. If they’re struggling, I offer advice and encouragement. I’ve been in their shoes, so I know how to help.”
Carolina believes in proactive support. She shared a recent situation where a caregiver called off sick, and instead of penalizing them, the call center staff adjusted the schedule to ensure they had time to recover. “It’s about making sure our caregivers know they’re valued and that we have their backs,” she says.
She also incorporates personal stories into caregiver orientation, helping new hires understand what to expect and how to navigate different client personalities. Her message is simple: caregiving is about building relationships, not just completing tasks.
A Philosophy of Care: Treat Clients Like Family
Carolina encourages caregivers to approach their work with compassion and a family-first mindset.
“I always tell caregivers to treat their clients like their own grandparents,” she says. “One of my friend’s daughters started working for Family Resource Home Care, and I gave her the same advice. It changed how she approached care, and she built incredible relationships with her clients.”
She also reminds clients and their families to be open to the process. “A caregiver coming into your home is a big adjustment,” she acknowledges. “But I always tell families to give it a chance—caregivers bring something special into their lives. When a client doesn’t have family nearby, their caregiver becomes that trusted person.”
The Joy of Building Relationships
Throughout her career, Carolina has formed meaningful connections with both clients and caregivers. She remembers a moment when a client was feeling overwhelmed, and Carolina simply offered her a hug. “She admitted later that if I hadn’t done that, she would have had a breakdown. That moment showed me how much small gestures can mean.”
Carolina also continues to be a trusted resource for past clients. “There’s a client I worked with for two years, and the current caregiver still calls me for advice when something comes up,” she says. “If I can give my love and support, why wouldn’t I?”
For Carolina, every day presents new challenges, but that’s what keeps her engaged. “I love learning something new every day. I love taking care of people. And I love that in this role, I get to support both our clients and the caregivers who make this work possible.”
As she continues to make an impact in Tri-Cities, Carolina Sandoval proves that no matter where you start, when you find your passion, you stay. And for her, that passion is home care.
Join Our Compassionate Team – Culture Beyond Compare
If Carolina’s journey has sparked your interest in the fulfilling world of caregiving, we invite you to embark on your own transformative path. Family Resource Home Care is always on the lookout for dedicated individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of others. With over 40 locations spanning across Washington, Oregon, Colorado, and Idaho, there’s an opportunity waiting for you to join our compassionate community. Whether you’re an experienced caregiver or considering a career change, take the leap and explore the rewarding realm of caregiving with us. Discover the joy of creating meaningful connections and making a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Your journey begins here – join us in spreading warmth, care, and support.
