One of the most difficult decisions many people face is what to do when a loved one is no longer able to be self-sufficient. With so many options available, it can be a trying process to discover the best means of care.
Sensing a need in the community for a means to connect quality caregivers with the elderly and their families, Nancy Edwards created Compassionate HealthCare LLC, a referral service for in-home care by qualified caregivers. The business has been operating since June 2003.
Most clients are elderly patients, many who are living with a family member. Many are stroke patients, handicapped, or suffer from illnesses. While many clients live with their family members, having a caregiver lets them enjoy a greater sense of independence.
"I love that I have the ability to make it possible for people to live in their own home with one on one care, unlike nursing homes or assisted living," Edwards said. "It improves their quality of life and also gives family members piece of mind that their patients or loved ones are being taken care of. It is easier to ask someone they are paying to help them than to feel like they're burdening family. It gives our patients a quality of life that they couldn't have without burdening the family."
Patients are matched to their caregivers based on their needs. Edwards spends several hours with each potential client to assess their unique needs. Patients are also involved in the interview process and can select their own attendants. Thorough background checks are also conducted, including driving records and CPR certification.
"I have the most wonderful, devoted and professional employees," Edwards said. "All of my caregivers and CNAs have years of experience. I feel that I have some of the best employees. I would be happy to have any one of them taking care of my loved ones."
As a referral service, Edwards takes care of all this "behind-the-scenes work," as she calls it. "Unlike other companies that handle their business by phone, I have a one on one relationship with my clients in the privacy of their own home," Edwards explained. "I enjoy meeting individually with possible clients to match their special needs to a trained caregiver or CNA."
Edwards first became interested in in-home care when her father became ill when she was only 28. It has since become her lifelong profession. "After 25 years of caregiving myself, I have seen the benefit and the difference one can make in someone's life," she said of her business and her passion.
After working for a referral company for seven years, Edwards realized it was time to start her own business, one that would be more affordable and accessible to more people, not just the wealthy. While many other company will charge a registration fee, Edwards said her service has no registration fee. She also offers a free consultation and evaluation with no obligation.
For more information about Compassionate HealthCare LLC, call 770-252-6210 or 678-464-9922. Hours of operation are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m.-noon Saturday and Sunday.
