When you meet Amanda Wheeler, Caregiver Manager at Family Resource Home Care’s Yakima branch, you know right away she’s not your typical manager. With her bright pink hair and quick sense of humor, Amanda has carved out a unique space for herself in the world of home care in Yakima and Union Gap. Her journey is full of twists, laughter, and lessons learned—and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
From “Little Mother” to Medical Professional
Amanda’s caregiving roots run deep. “I’ve always been the ‘little mother’ of the family,” she explains. “I took care of my siblings, my friends, and even my neighbors. It just came naturally to me.” That instinct to nurture eventually carried over into her career, where she has spent 25 years in the medical field.
Her resume reads like a patchwork quilt of experience: MA, In-Home Dialysis Technician, Phlebotomist Tech, PTOT training, MET training. “There isn’t much I haven’t done,” she says with a laugh. But what drove her wasn’t the titles—it was her passion for advocacy. Having faced her own health challenges and not always receiving the best care, Amanda became determined to provide the kind of support she once needed herself.
Why Home Care Felt Like “Coming Home”
During COVID, Amanda worked in non-medical emergency transport, but something was missing. “My motto is: you go to the hospital to get fixed, but you come home to heal,” she explains. “Home is where you recognize the walls, the pictures, the smells—it’s where you want to be as you age.”
She noticed that facilities often left her feeling overworked and under-supported. “A bad day in a facility felt like every day,” she recalls. But in one-on-one caregiving, even the tough days had meaning. That belief eventually led her back to home care in Yakima and Union Gap, where she knew she could make a real difference.
Drawn to Family Resource Home Care
Amanda was introduced to Family Resource Home Care when the Yakima branch was just getting established. The company’s motto, “Improving More Lives,” resonated immediately. “That’s been my whole career—improving lives,” she shares. “And what I loved was that Family Resource Home Care wasn’t just about clients; they truly supported caregivers too.”
When she applied, leadership told her about an upcoming lead caregiver position, and Amanda jumped in, ready for the challenge. “I wanted to pass on what I’d learned—especially things like body mechanics. If I can help the next generation of caregivers, then I know I’ve done my part.”
Stepping Into Leadership
Amanda’s transition from caregiver to Caregiver Manager felt natural. “As I get older, I can’t always do the physical side of caregiving like I used to,” she explains. “But what I can do is support my caregivers with transparency, an open-door policy, and a whole lot of laughter.”
She believes humor is essential in training. “If I can get a new hire to laugh, I know they’re starting to feel comfortable. That’s when real learning happens.” Her philosophy is simple: “Have a good heart and do your best.”
Advice for Clients and Caregivers
Amanda also has wisdom for those entering or considering home care in Yakima and Union Gap. For clients, she understands the fear of losing independence. “I remind them: we’re here just in case. If you don’t need us anymore, we won’t come. You’re not a burden. Life is about moments, and we’re here to help make more of them.”
For caregivers, her advice is equally heartfelt: “Come in and give it a try. I’ll do my best to give you a better start than I had. Think about how you’d want to be treated as a client and put yourself in their shoes. Just try your best.”
Keeping It Real
Amanda’s story is both inspiring and authentic. She doesn’t hide her personality—her warmth, humor, and contagious laugh shine through—and that’s exactly what makes her such an effective leader in home care in Yakima and Union Gap.
Her final piece of advice: “Keep home at home and work at work. Your client is still in their world, and if we can lighten that world for them, maybe we can help them out.”
With her humor, wisdom, and unwavering advocacy, Amanda Wheeler is not just managing caregivers—she’s shaping the future of home care, one laugh and one moment at a time.
Join Our Compassionate Team – Culture Beyond Compare
If Amanda’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.
