By MOHAMED FARGHALY
mfarghaly@queensledger.com
For Walter and Rebecca Ochoa, Father’s Day isn’t just a family celebration—it’s a moment to reflect on the meaningful work they share as partners in a mission-driven business that touches lives across Brooklyn and beyond.
Fourteen years ago, Walter Ochoa left his Wall Street job behind to open Right at Home Brooklyn, an in-home care agency serving seniors and adults with disabilities throughout New York City. At the time, his daughter Rebecca was just eight years old—watching her father build something deeply personal and impactful from the ground up.
“I used to work for big companies in Wall Street,” Walter said. “One day I decided that I really wanted to start my own business, and I didn’t have to look any further than the community.”
The company, which started in a small Brooklyn office, has grown into a trusted local presence, providing services ranging from companionship and personal care to skilled nursing and 24-hour support. For Walter, the work is about far more than just assistance—it’s about enabling people to age with dignity and independence.
“We are trying to make sure that people who want to stay home—we keep them with dignity and, why not, the happiness,” he said.
Their business is guided by a clear mission: to improve the quality of life for those they serve. “We believe there’s more to caring for people than just providing in-home assistance,” reads the company’s statement. “You deserve a care partner that understands the course of your journey and will help navigate the road ahead.”
Rebecca, now the agency’s compliance manager, officially joined the company full time after earning her degree in Health and Human Services from St. John’s University. She brings with her a detail-focused approach to care quality and regulatory compliance, as well as a deep-rooted sense of purpose.
“I’ve always known that I wanted to do something to give back to the community, especially in the medical healthcare side of things,” she said. “I made sure to tailor my education… and I’ve been working part-time in the office since I was 16.”
Walter credits Rebecca’s leadership and knowledge with strengthening the business. “Bringing Rebecca with her expertise has helped us a lot and gave us a different perspective of growing the business,” he said.
Working together has transformed their personal bond into a powerful professional partnership.
“At home, it’s my dad,” Rebecca said. “But being here in the office, I see him as a leader, a pillar… It’s really been like a blessing to be here and be able to see this all for myself.”
Their strengths complement each other: Walter describes himself as the “visionary,” focused on strategy and community engagement, while Rebecca excels at detail-driven work in compliance and hiring.
Walter’s journey from Guatemala to successful entrepreneur is central to the company’s story and his parenting philosophy. “I came here with 300 bucks in my pocket,” he said. “If you have a willingness to do something, it’s gonna be a reward at the end.”
Rebecca says that lesson stuck. “From a young age, he always instilled in me to have that confidence in myself… I felt what he was able to do, I can do that too.”
The Ochoas’ commitment to care goes beyond New York. As part of the broader Right at Home network, they also support global causes like the Free Wheelchair Mission, which has distributed over a million wheelchairs to people with disabilities in developing countries. The organization has raised over $400,000 to fund mobility devices across nations like Vietnam, Ecuador, and Costa Rica.
Closer to home, they also participate in local philanthropy and community events. Rebecca proudly notes her father’s presence in neighborhood parades and local committees: “People know who he is, and that’s something that I take great pride in. If someone says to me, ‘Oh, you’re Walter’s daughter,’ I’m like, yes I am.”
Walter’s youngest son, 15-year-old Walter Jr., will join the business this summer—another step in a growing family legacy.
Looking ahead to Father’s Day, Walter is reflective: “I do believe that being a father is something that you need to do every day of the year. Not just by talking but by leading by example.”
He also offers heartfelt advice to others navigating elder care, especially during emotional times like holidays. “Ask for help… there’s a lot of resources in the community,” he said. “You only can do so much. Pay attention to how your parents are doing—physically, mentally, emotionally.”
Rebecca agrees. “Sometimes they’re a little too stubborn to admit it… but accepting support improves quality of life and gives peace of mind to families.”
At Right at Home Brooklyn, the Ochoas are proving that care is more than a service—it’s a calling.
