When it comes to caring for aging loved ones, trust, experience, and compassion matter more than ever. For over two decades, Home Instead in Eastern Jackson County has been a steady presence for families navigating this important stage of life. Led by co-owners Michelle Brunell and Kristine Wright, the team is deeply rooted in the Lee’s Summit community, offering personalized in-home care that allows seniors to remain safe, comfortable, and independent. We sat down with Michelle and Kristine to learn more about their passion for senior care and what sets Home Instead apart.
Can you introduce yourself and share your role with Home Instead?
We’re Michelle Brunell and Kristine Wright, and we’re the co-owners of Home Instead serving Eastern Jackson County. Together, we lead a team that’s dedicated to supporting seniors and their families in our community. Our mission is to enhance the lives of aging adults and their families through in-home care.
How long have you been with Home Instead, and what first brought you to this work?
Home Instead started in Omaha and opened in Kansas City back in 1994, and Kristine and I have owned our office since 2004. For Kristine, this work came naturally, she was the primary caregiver for her grandmother, which sparked her passion for supporting seniors. My path looked a little different. My father was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s at just 56. I was 26 at the time, and it completely changed my life. That experience shaped why I do this work today.
What do you love most about caring for seniors?
Honestly, the best part is matching our Care Professionals with our clients. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing that perfect match come together and knowing we’ve helped enrich the lives of both the senior and the Care Pro. Those moments remind us why this work matters so much.
What keeps you passionate about this work year after year?
Helping aging adults stay safe and independent in their own homes is truly at the heart of what we do. It’s part of our mission, and it’s what keeps us going day after day, year after year. We honestly can’t imagine doing anything else—this work is incredibly meaningful to us.
Inviting someone into your home is a big decision—how do you help families feel comfortable and build trust?
Reputation really matters in this line of work, and we venture to say we’ve been part of this community longer than anyone else doing private duty care exclusively. Most of our new clients come through word of mouth, which means a lot to us. We also have a strong Quality Assurance program led by Sandy, who started as a Care Pro and has been with us for almost 14 years. She connects beautifully with families and plays a huge role in helping them feel supported and confident in their care.
What sets Home Instead apart when it comes to the level of care you provide?
We’ve been doing this for more than 22 years, and we’ve continued to grow and improve every step of the way. We are locally owned and operated and have built the largest team of care givers in Jackson County. It’s really the best of both worlds—strong resources paired with a personal, local approach.
Why is in-home care so valuable for seniors who want to maintain independence?
Sometimes just a little bit of help can make all the difference. With support during high-risk moments—like getting in and out of the shower—we can help prevent falls and keep seniors safe. When they’re safe, they’re able to stay in their homes longer, sometimes indefinitely. That independence is incredibly important.
Can you share a moment that really highlights the impact of what you do?
One of the most meaningful moments happens during a care consultation. As we sit with families and walk through their options, you can actually see the stress lift from their faces. There’s a sense of relief knowing that help is available and their loved one can remain safe at home. We also often meet couples who worry they may be separated if care is needed. Being able to tell them we can support both of them at home—together—is incredibly rewarding.
For Michelle, Kristine, and their team, senior care is more than a service, it’s a calling shaped by personal experience, deep compassion, and a commitment to the community they call home. With decades of experience and a focus on building meaningful relationships, Home Instead continues to provide families in Lee’s Summit with something truly invaluable: peace of mind.
To learn more or explore care options, contact Home Instead at 816-554-6166 or email michelle.brunell@homeinstead.com. Their team is available 24/7 to help guide families every step of the way.