As the local owner of Home Helpers for Bergen and Hudson counties, I became involved in this business after an experience with my parents that will be very familiar to many of you.
My 90 year-old parents lived independently in Florida but after one of them was hospitalized, I was told by the discharge planner at the hospital that my parents would no longer be able to live alone and be safe. She recommended that I contact a Home Care agency to help them in their home. I went on the internet and found a list of agencies, called and interviewed three of them and then chose an agency to provide my parents care in their home. I could then go home and try to live a normal life as a CPA.
This pleasant caregiving experience enlightened me to consider helping other seniors in similar circumstances as most want the opportunity to remain in their homes for as long as possible. Therefore, I joined Home Helpers and formed a company that would provide the very best of services to seniors just like i was doing for my own parents. My competitive advantage would be the personal attention that I provide as President of the agency and to select only the most compassionate and patient Caregivers as my employees.
After 12 years, the concept is working well, as you can see from the testimonials of my clients. I can honestly say that this job gives me far more satisfaction than any I have ever had, especially after I see the progress that many of my clients are making through their physical and mental exercises. At Home Helpers, we take a personal approach to homecare. We take the time to get to know our clients and their families to provide the best care and to select the best Caregiver to fit their style and personality. We have activities that no else is doing in homecare. We have “Furry Friend” visits, both actual dogs and robotic ones. Home Helpers realizes that animals bring many benefits and smiles to our clients.
We also encourage our clients to attend senior events to their ability and our Caregivers transport them there. During the Covid pandemic, many of these activities are continued on Zoom programs which our Caregivers and their clients participate with their I-Pads or computers.
Alzheimer’s is a terrible disease with no cure yet in sight, but Home Helpers has recognized that physical and mental exercises can slow the progress of this disease. We now have 10 Certified Alzheimer Caregivers (CAC) on staff plus all our Caregivers receive specialized Alzheimer’s training to ensure that our clients receive the best care.
We also have a close relationship with the ALS Association and due to the training that we provide to our Caregivers, Home Helpers is the first referral from the ALS Association to their clients seeking help. Lou Gehrig’s disease is a terrible disease but our Caregivers have the compassion and training to help slow the progress of this disease, particularly through our range of motion exercises.
There isn’t a lot of free time for me after work, but I have been pleased to have been the President of the Fort Lee Regional Chamber of Commerce and I am currently the President of the Sherman Chamber Ensemble, and eclectic musical group. And for exercise, I am a professional soccer referee and do weekend games.
