Caring with Compassion: Olamide's Story

At Touching Hearts at Home of Fort Bend, we often say that caregiving is a profession built on heart. For Olamide Rafiat Oyenuga, caregiving is not just a career—it’s a lifelong mission inspired by her parents, grounded in family, and sustained by an unshakable commitment to love and service.

A Heart for Service, Inspired by Home

Olamide’s story began long before her formal caregiving journey started. Growing up, she watched her parents extend love and compassion to people of all ages. Their example shaped her perspective early in life and instilled in her the values that define her today.

“Helping people and showing them love is therapeutic for me,” she said. “Caring has always come naturally. I was the first of five children and cared for my younger siblings as well as both of my grandmothers. That’s when I knew this was more than a responsibility—it was a purpose.”

Olamide has now been working as a caregiver for over nine years and joined Touching Hearts at Home of Fort Bend a year ago. Her ultimate dream? To one day open a care home and a nonprofit to support individuals in need of assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).

Moments of Grace and Gratitude

Throughout her time as a caregiver, Olamide has created powerful memories with the people she supports. Whether it’s a client setting up a room for her to rest, offering her a favorite snack from the pantry, or preparing a plate of food in appreciation, Olamide sees these gestures as affirmations that she’s making a meaningful impact.

She particularly recalls her bond with a beloved client whose family consistently expressed appreciation for Olamide’s compassionate care. “The kindness they showed me only motivated me to give more. Being valued in that way is something I’ll never forget,” she shared.

One moment that especially stands out is her work with a client who was both deaf and non-verbal. Despite these challenges, the connection they shared transcended words.

“She would hug me and write, ‘OLA I LOVE YOU SO MUCH’ on a piece of paper,” Olamide said. “She even cried when it was time for me to leave. That kind of bond—it stays with you.”

Lessons That Shape a Caregiver

Through every client relationship, Olamide has learned lasting lessons:

• To be patient and honest
• To respect her clients’ privacy
• To always be observant, especially when a client’s health begins to shift

“Seniors are vulnerable,” she said. “They need our commitment and attention to thrive. When you do your work from the heart, it comes back to you tenfold.”

She believes that building trust comes down to listening, delivering care with precision, and treating each person as if they were your own family.

Navigating Challenges with Grace

While many caregivers face difficult moments, Olamide says she has been fortunate to work with kind clients, families, and colleagues. When minor issues like app glitches arise, she simply adapts—using alternate clock-in methods and keeping her focus where it belongs: on the care.

Her resilience and positivity reflect a deep understanding that caregiving is not about perfection, but presence.

A Deeper Sense of Purpose

When asked whether she feels she’s made a difference, Olamide answered without hesitation: “Yes. Countless times.”

The genuine emotional bonds she’s formed and the expressions of love and gratitude she receives are daily reminders that she’s doing work that truly matters.

Her advice to aspiring caregivers is honest and heartfelt:

“Don’t take this job for the paycheck. If you lack empathy, patience, and dedication, this is not for you. But if you’re called to serve, if you want to touch lives and be a blessing, then caregiving will reward you in the most beautiful ways.”

A New Lens on Aging

Being a caregiver has reshaped Olamide’s understanding of aging. “Aging is like the weather—it touches everyone eventually,” she said. “We must prepare for that chapter by saving, planning, and building relationships with people who care.”

Her reflections on aging are grounded in grace, humility, and foresight. They reveal a woman who doesn’t just provide care—she embodies it.

Why Home Care Matters

“Home care is a lifesaver,” Olamide says. “It allows clients to remain independent, comfortable, and cared for in their own homes. They receive one-on-one attention, which makes all the difference.”

She believes that the dignity and personal connection fostered through home care not only benefit the client, but also enrich the lives of caregivers, too.

Touching Hearts, Touching Lives in Fort Bend

Olamide Rafiat Oyenuga is a shining example of what it means to lead with love. Her unwavering compassion, dedication, and integrity continue to inspire everyone around her. At Touching Hearts at Home of Fort Bend, we are honored to have her on our team.