Starting Out in Caregiving
When Aimee Schlenz moved to Omak two years ago, she wasn’t expecting to begin what would become her inspiring home care journey in Omak. She began as a part-time caregiver on Sundays while working as an assistant manager at Rite Aid. After Rite Aid closed, she leaned into caregiving and found herself drawn to the meaningful, one-on-one relationships it provided.
“I felt like being a caregiver was the best thing I could have done during that time,” Aimee explained. “It was mutually beneficial and super comforting. Spending time with my clients felt more like visiting a friend than going to work.”
Her genuine compassion made it difficult when she transitioned out of direct caregiving. “I had really great relationships with both my long-term clients,” she said. “I was sad to leave them because they were so sweet.”
A New Role with Familiar Skills
Aimee’s inspiring home care journey in Omak took a new direction when her Client Care Supervisor encouraged her to apply for the Caregiver Manager role. With her leadership background, including managing a kitchen of 120 staff, she realized that her skills naturally translated into guiding caregivers.
“Running a kitchen meant I learned how to set expectations and train people to carry out their tasks,” she shared. “Now, it’s similar, but instead of seeing everyone at once, I get to focus on caregivers one-on-one and really work through solutions.”
Her approach emphasizes balance and planning. “It’s a lot of moving parts and people,” she said, “but with home care, there’s more space to find solutions that work for both the client and the caregiver.”
Guiding Clients and Caregivers
One of Aimee’s strengths as a Caregiver Manager is her ability to give practical, reassuring advice.
“For clients, I tell them it’s all about comfort level. If you’re called to it, you should give it a try,” she explained. “If you don’t like a caregiver, you can request a different one. At Family Resource Home Care, we’ll find the best quality match, but I also tell them—give it to the end of the day before deciding.”
She extends the same philosophy to caregivers. “If you’re called to caregiving, you should give it a try. And if you walk into a home where you don’t feel comfortable because of a skill set mismatch, you have options. My boss once told me to ‘put your aces in the right places,’ and that’s exactly how I approach caregiver and client matches.”
Shaped by Life Experiences
Aimee’s perspective on caregiving is deeply shaped by her own life. In 2020, her daughter required an extended hospital stay, an experience that opened Aimee’s eyes to the importance of respect and compassion.
“I noticed the staff didn’t always treat us like people,” she recalled. “That really impacted me. When I became a caregiver, I knew I never wanted anyone to feel that way. I wanted every client to feel respected, validated, and seen as whole people.”
This commitment to dignity now guides her work as a Caregiver Manager. “It’s so important to validate the human wholeness in everyone we serve,” she said.
Looking Ahead
Though she only recently began her new role, Aimee is energized about the future. Her inspiring home care journey in Omak has come full circle, from part-time caregiver to leading and supporting those in the same role she once held.
“Caregiving taught me how important it is to make real connections,” she said. “Now, I get to help other caregivers do the same—and that feels incredibly rewarding.”
Join Our Compassionate Team – Culture Beyond Compare
If Aimee’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, 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.
