Celebrate dad with a gift for him . . . and a gift from him!

Dads, father figures, granddads often taught many of us how to be prepared for the unexpected, how to handle some of life’s challenges.  We might have learned from our dads how to change a flat tire, how to mow a lawn, or how to use basic tools.  Whatever he may have taught you, you listened and learned.  Looking back on those times, you are grateful for those cherished memories.  This time of year, we think about those moments and pause with a smile.

If you are fortunate to still have these special dads or granddads in your lives, you might be thinking what can possibly be done to let them know how much they mean to your family. You can start by doing two things; help them be prepared in an emergency with creating a “File of Life” and show them how much their life story really matters to you. 

A “File of Life” is typically a document that lives on the refrigerator and is available to emergency responders when they enter one’s home. It includes basic information including name, date of birth, allergies, emergency contacts, list of current medications, health conditions, surgeries, primary doctor, and preferred hospital. If your father has a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order, it must be with his file too. If using a file like pictured below, it is best to write in pencil, so it can be updated about every 6 months or when something changes. It is helpful to take it to one’s annual wellness exam or yearly physical. When seconds count, this gift can save his life.

With a little encouragement, your father can give you a meaningful gift this Father’s Day too.  Sometimes the men in our lives are the historians, the gatekeepers of the family stories, the one who remembers all the funny times.  There isn’t a better time than now, to have him write down his legacy.  The gift of a written or recorded legacy is invaluable and will be cherished for decades to come.  It can be a special family time where the young ones in the family participate, ask the questions, even write it down.  Or for those who want to do it on their own, there are books, online tools, and various self-guided workbooks to get started. No matter what way you choose to collect the information, the process alone creates valuable memories.

This Father’s Day carve out some time and do something special with it!  Take time to help your dad create his “File of Life” and encourage and help him to record the story of his life for future generations.

Senior Living: Planning for our Future

There are many things in life we cannot control.  The good news is we can control our response to what happens to us. One way to be prepared to respond is to create long term health care goals and plans and share them with family.  It is never too early to have these discussions. At any point in life, one may endure an illness, injury, or diagnosis that throws you into a sudden healthcare crisis.  And that is not the ideal time to start planning.

Ponder these questions to start your planning:

1. Do I have a trusted physician who is skilled in geriatric medicine with whom I see regularly and who listens and understands me?  Are they helpful in connecting me to the right medical specialists depending on my health conditions?

2. Do I want to remain in my home for as long as possible? Or do I want to move to an adult retirement community or a continuing care community?  Do I understand the difference between the two?  Am I aware of the best local home care agencies if and when I need help with tasks such as transportation, housekeeping, meal preparation, medication reminders, and personal care services?

3. Do I have a long-term care policy? Do I understand the daily benefit amount, length of benefit, the waiting period before benefits begin, and the types of care it covers?

4. Do I have the legal and financial experts in place whom I trust and know will be available to me when needed?  Have I designated a health care power of attorney and a financial power of attorney who is aware of my wishes?

5. Do I have my will and advance directives updated and does a trusted family member or friend know where they are? Do I have my “file of life” located somewhere in my home visible to emergency responders?  (To include allergies, list of medications, health conditions, emergency contact information, and a DNR “Do Not Resuscitate” if you have one)

Once you have marinated on these topics, identify the areas where you may need more help.  There are many trusted folks in our community who can assist you in planning -- whether it be clergy, a parish nurse from your church, a home care agency nurse, a certified financial planner, an estate planning attorney, or a certified geriatric care manager. Asking for help can be hard and making some of these decisions ahead of time can be daunting. But it is well worth the time and effort to have a long-term health care plan in place that YOU created!

Newsletter

Caregivers Newsletter
Volume 1, Issue 1

April is stress awareness month. We all know some stress is good for us. For seniors, stress can be overwhelming. Contributing factors to senior stress can be loss of a spouse or friend., living alone can increase isolation. This stress can intensify health conditions causing additional worries.

Here are 5 common signs of stress in Seniors:

1. Changes in eating habits, over-eating or loss of appetite

2. Mood swings and increased irritability, general sadness or depression

3. Seniors often isolate themselves from others.

4. Physical signs of stress can be body aches and pains or increased episodes of illness. Changes in sleeping patterns whether falling asleep or interrupted nighttime sleep.

5. Memory lapses may arise in the form of increased forgetfulness of names, places, or other things that typically come naturally. Lack of Concentration, poor judgment such as excessive spending.

Tips for Alleviating Stress:

•  Do some physical activity. Yoga, tai chi, exercises designed for seniors, or simply take a walk this can alleviate the effects of stress. 

•  Meditation can also be beneficial, taking time out to collect your thoughts can lead to increased energy.

 Healthy eating and getting a good night’s sleep are great stress busters. Cells are regenerated and harmful invaders are destroyed while we sleep.

•  Get a pet. Science shows us that the unconditional love that pets exhibit helps us to naturally de-stress with powerful effects of lowering our blood pressure.

•  Find a new purpose to fill your time: volunteer, senior activities, a class.

•  Socialize—socialization offers a chance to clear the mind of daily responsibilities.

•  Seek Professional help; many communities have special services for the elderly.

Caregiver New Online University

Stay in touch with continuing education through our on line university on our website. We will be giving incentives for those who continue education through this site…. Stay tuned for more information on this….

Home Careolina

If you have an active senior ;bring them out to the Fun and Fitness Day at Jetton Park, April 15th from 9:00-11:00am. We will have a booth set up. Come by and let your senior get a chair massage by our office staff ,licensed massage therapist, Ina Salber.

Note: check out our new video on the front page of www.homecareolina.com

Caregivers

We at Home Careolina take pride in our caregivers. Our clients have entrusted us into their hearts and homes. Although we can get very attached, we still must remain professional and ethical at all times. Remember you are caring for someone’s loved one. We truly are the eyes and ears for our clients.

Emergency

We are available 24/7, (704-892-0030) for our clients if an emergency arises, but please be mindful, if you must call after office hours that it is truly an emergency. Our staff works hard to meet our client needs and yours, but they also have families to tend too. Thank you for understanding.

Caregiver tip:

“Laughter truly is the best medicine.” Recharge yourself with making yourself laugh, or watch a funny movie, comedy show, or call a friend that makes you laugh, find humor in every day situations

Thank you for all you do for Home Careolina, we strive to be the number one senior choice for home care. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to call on us. 704-892-0030

Thanks again,
Mary, Ina, Paula, and Judy

 

Spring Break or Summer Vacation Plans?

After such an overly cold, wet and snowy winter, spring is very welcome around North Carolina.  It has been numerous years since we experienced such a volatile winter season.  Thankfully, we can finally look forward to much warmer weather and a break from the cold as the temperatures promise to reach the mid 70's this week!

Now is when we seriously begin planning our summer vacation.  Whether it is a week at the beach or a trip to the mountains, this warmer weather is bound to create a sense of urgency to make plans for that summer getaway.  But what about your senior parents? Will your loved one be cared for while you take a spring break or summer vacation?  If you call Home Careolina, they certainly will be!

We provide long term or short term senior care, even for just a long weekend if you need it.  Caring for a loved one can have a toll on a person and a short vacation is always a good rejuvenator for a family caregiver.  Our professional staff have the training and experience to care for your Mom or Dad regardless of their age or medical situation.

Don’t worry about your loved ones while you are taking some time for yourself.  Let Home Careolina check in on them while you are away on your much needed vacation, so that you can have peace of mind and actually enjoy your much deserved vacation!

Click here to visit our website for more information on how we can help and to see our new video.

Andi Carroll

704-892-0030

Home Careolina

Here Cause We Care

This is a tough business to run.  We provide care 24/7.  That means someone in this office is attached to a cell phone at all times in the event of an emergency need.   Chaos is common as schedules change with little notice or caregivers call in sick.  But we manage that chaos with smiles on our faces and eager hearts to fix whatever problems arise.   Occasionally, our clients reach out to us with a special thank you.  This happened yesterday when Christian and Bernie H. paid us a personal visit to say "thank you". 

They recently lost their father after a long decline in health.  They called on us over a year ago to help them manage his care.  We took the burden of scheduling and managing caregivers off of their shoulders so that they could manage their own lives and enjoy their precious time with their dad to the fullest.

They wanted us to know how appreciative they were of Home Careolina.  They wanted us to know that they knew we jumped through multiple hoops to manage their dad's care.  They wanted us to know that we have set a high bar for home care agencies and that they plan on telling everyone they know how wonderful their experience was with us.  They understand that many franchised home careagencies simply don't have the control over their agencies to be as flexible with a family's needs.  That is what sets Home Careolina apart from the pack.  We are different in that we can and we will make every effort to create the care environment that you want for your loved one. 

Mr. H lived a beautiful life and was at peace in leaving his affairs in the capable hands of his two sons.  While saying goodbye is never easy, it was made easier knowing that Mr. H died peacefully in his own home with the help of hospice and Home Careolina while being surrounded by those he loved most.

Rest in peace, Mr. H., and thank you, Christian and Bernie, for letting us be a part of your family's life and for appreciating our efforts.  It means the world to us.  This is why we do what we do.

When Hospice is not enough

Hospice and palliative care is a wonderful service for our seniors and loved ones. It provides end of life comfort and care by experienced doctors and nurses, at a time when specialized care is essential.  End of life situations carry a considerable amount of stress and energy that the average person is unable and ill equipped to provide.  It requires a magnitude of specialized training that the average caregiver or family member is unable to offer.  While hospice care is a wonderful service, what happens when hospice care is not enough?

When a family needs more care for a loved one than hospice is able to provide, it often falls back onto the family to attend to those needs, thus creating more stress in an already stressful situation.  Home Careolina is an option for providing additional care in conjunction with the care hospice is providing.  Our experienced, professional caregivers understand what hospice does and never interferes with their service; we are trained to be a compliment to hospice, not a replacement.  We provide the care and attention beyond what a hospice caregiver is allowed or able to provide and we work the hours they are not available.  Our staff works on rotating schedules enabling Home Careolina caregivers to provide 24/7 care if needed.  We are there when you need us.

Home Careolina provides it's caregivers with ongoing hospice care training via our unique Home Careolina University program and our state of the art in house training lab.  If you have a family member who is receiving hospice or palliative care and you need to supplement that care with additional caregivers, please give us a call.  We can help you fulfill your loved ones wishes to stay at home for as long as possible.

Andi Carroll

704-892-0030

Home Careolina

Life Expectations in 2014

Individuals’ living in the 1940’s had an average life expectancy of approximately 60 years.  In 2014, that has grown to almost 80 years!  This large increase is accomplished through healthier living, vastly improved medical care and a more positive economy.  But there are also ramifications for living longer.  Who will care for these individuals?

The elder care industry has exploded in the past decade due to the longer life cycle and more people's preference not to be placed in a care facility. It should not come as a surprise that most people want to live in their own home for as long as possible.  But one of the consequences of aging at home is the risk of becoming home bound and missing out on social interaction.

Home Careolina can prevent this from happening.

We treat our clients like friends, not patients.  We look for skills that they can still manage and encourage them to be independent in those areas.

Encouragement and praise is also incorporated into each care visit.  Self-worth does not end at 65, it stays with you for life and we encourage every client to participate in the activities that they can still enjoy, thus improving one’s self esteem.

Our caregivers are positive cheerleaders for them and our clients look forward to their visits.  I personally feel that an engaging conversation is a practice in healthy living.  Boredom is a major issue for many seniors and we address it head on with a variety of engaging activities that are specially developed for the abilities and desires of the individual person.

As we live longer, we should all strive to live more meaningful lives!  Let Home Careolina help your mom or dad continue to add value to their lives....at home.

Andi Carroll

704-892-0030

Home Careolina

Do you know a compassionate person who is looking for part time work?

Are they looking for a rewarding part time job? 

Do they want to make a difference in someone's life? 

Do they want to do something meaningfuland make some money at the same time? 

Caregiver and Client

Then a companion caregiver job at Home Careolina is the job for them!

We are always looking for great caregivers.  Specifically, we hire women and men who have the "caring gene."  People who have a passion for helping our elderly friends and neighbors.  We have clients in Charlotte, Concord, Kannapolis, Denver, Statesville, Mooresville, Huntersville, Davidson and Cornelius. And we are constantly hiring quality companion caregivers and CNA's (certified nursing assistants). 

We train and place our caregivers in the homes of seniors who want to stay at home rather than move to a facility.  They are often forced out of their homes prematurely because they can't manage their household tasks, have memory issues, or continue to drive safely.  We create care plans based on our clients' individual needs.  Some folks need more help than others and we go to great lengths to make sure that our caregivers and clients are a great match!  Our clients come to expect "boutique style" service from us and it’s our pleasure to provide that level of service to our clients and their families!

Our trusted agency has provided care for seniors since 2004.  We are bonded and insured and have a Registered Nurse on staff who trains and supervises all of our caregivers.

If you or someone you know wants to learn more about becoming a member of our Caregiving team and can pass a rigorous background check and has reliable transportation, then visit our website and fill out our online application at www.homecareolina.com.

Andi Carroll

704-892-0030

Home Careolina

Winter Spring Summer or Fall....When to schedule a surgery?

I was at the soccer fields this weekend having a casual conversation with a fellow soccer mom who happens to work in the health care industry too,  and she gave me some advice that I wanted to pass on to all of you.

She advised me to never schedule surgery in June or July or even August if possible.  Not only are doctors and nurses on vacation during the summer months, but all of the residents working in hospitals finish their residencies in June and start them in July.  That means that if you have surgery in June then you will be surrounded by a bunch of residents who already have one foot out the door!  And, if you schedule your surgical procedure in July, then you will find yourself amongst a bunch of newbie residents who are just getting their feet wet...at your possible expense!

So put some thought into the scheduling of any surgeries in your future.  As we ALL age ....we know too well that hip and knee replacements and rotator cuff surgeries are pretty common in the aging process.

If you find that a surgery is in your future (or your spouse, mom or dad's future) you might find yourself in need of help at home after surgery....give us a call.  We have a lot of short term rehab clients who need temporary help with housework, transportation, meals, bathing/grooming/dressing assistance etc. after surgery.   Some of them spend some time in a skilled nursing facility...but others prefer to rehab at home.  You do have a choice! Some folks go to a rehab facility and then still need some help at home after their rehab stay. And, some of our clients like for our aides to provide a sitter service at the hospital or rehab facility to make sure their needs are being met by the facility.

Winter, spring, summer or fall, all 'ya gotta do is call.....because whatever the season or the reason you can always count on quality care from Home Careolina!

(James Taylor pun intended!)

Andi Carroll

704-892-0030

Home Careolina

Managing Caregiver Stress

I don't need to tell you how difficult caring for a loved one can be.  You are feeling guilty for not doing enough, frustrated because you can't fix the problem, tired from lack of sleep, isolated because you don't have time for friends, pulled in many directions and stressed out.

It will take time to figure it all out but asking for help with your loved one is a good start.  By asking for assistance from family, friends or a home care agency, you allow yourself the time to get yourself organized.  With organization, comes reduced stress.

You won't be much of a caregiver if you have a health crisis or emotional meltdown from the demands of caregiving. Take care of your health; be willing to ask others for assistance whether it be running errands or making meals or helping with household tasks; find out about community resources; hire a home care agency, join a support group; learn to relax through meditation or other activities that will take you to a place that makes you happy or calm; deal constructively with negative feelings and start by learning to forgive yourself for the anger and resentment you feel.

Most importantly, remember how special you are.  You have taken on a huge responsibility on top of everything else you do.  You are not alone, there are thousands around the world like you and each has a unique situation.  Remember, that often, people are willing to help but if you give the impression you can do it all, they will not offer.  Most people are just waiting to be asked.  Only you can tell them what you need.  And once you get that needed help....you might even find that your relationship with your loved one is much better because you are spending more meaningful time with each other.

Andi Carroll

704-892-0030

Home Careolina

Safety and Memory Loss

Safety becomes a major priority with cognitive impairment as the person can no longer use good judgment.  The following list has many things that should be considered when providing care in the home for someone with dementia.

1. Place deadbolts either high or low on exterior doors to make it difficult for the person to wander out of the house. Keep an extra set of keys hidden near the door for easy access.

2. Consider a Medi-Alert bracelet or necklace.

3. Never lock a confused person in the home alone.

4. Remove locks from inside doors such as the bathroom and bedroom.

5. If you live on the second floor or higher, place dowel rods in slider tracks to prevent windows or doors from being opened more than 6-8 inches.  Depth perception is lost and people can fall out of windows or off balconies.

6. Keep the water heater at a temperature that won't burn skin.

7. Install a child gate or some other barrier at open stairwells.

8. Keep walkways clear. 

9. Remove area/throw rugs; persons with a shuffling walk may more readily trip or fall.

10. Take knobs off the stove.

11. Use kid-proof locks to store medications, cleaning supplies and other toxic household goods safely.

12. Install safety grips and bars in the shower and use a shower chair.

13. Give reminders for the use of canes and walkers for decreased motor function.

14. Remove and disable guns.  Store away power tools and sharps such as knives, scissors, razors, and saws.

15. Place tape “X”s on, or label or decorate plate glass windows and glass sliding doors.

16. Do not allow this person to drive.  Many persons with cognitive impairment don't realize they can no longer safely drive due to poor judgment, slowed reflexes, physical weakness, or sensory deficits.  If it is too volatile for you to discuss with the person, ask the doctor to notify the DMV and tell the person they cannot drive.  Disable the vehicle if needed.

Andi Carroll

704-892-0030

Home Careolina

The Case of the Missing Silver

I know I'm not alone when I say that I despise people who mistreat the elderly.  One of my elderly neighbors was recently a victim of robbery.  I am convinced that the crime was committed by someone she welcomed into her own home; her cleaning lady.

Little did she know that this seemingly earnest woman was taking pieces of her silver and jewelry items a little at a time. Why do we think that the cleaning lady is the culprit? She's the only non-family member to enter her home in the last six weeks.  And that was the last time my neighbor counted her silver.  Yes, she counts her silver.  There simply aren't any other suspects.  And, if you are thinking it might have been a family member, forget about it. I know every member of her family really well.

The police were called and the cleaning lady was interviewed.  She denied any wrong-doing.  Of course she did.  And guess what! The police are inclined to believe her.  Wow. Why? Only for the simple fact that my neighbor is old.  "Are you sure she hasn't just misplaced these items?" the officer asked me.  "I'm quite sure" I replied.  "She told me she counted them six weeks ago after she hosted her bridge group.  They were all there" I said.  "Oh, and by the way, she told you that herself officer.  Why don't you believe her?  Why are you calling me about this instead of her anyway?" Granted, I didn't really say that last part.  But I thought it.  This woman might be advanced in years, but she is sharp as a tack.  Sure, she uses a cane to get around.  But she is of sound mind -- very sound mind.  She can run mental circles around me -- a woman half her age.  She reads the New York Times daily.  She does the crossword puzzle in pen!

This experience has really opened my eyes to the lack of respect given to the elderly.  And, it makes me even prouder, than I already was, to be in the senior care business.  From day one, our mission has been to help seniors continue to live independently in their own homes for as long as possible.  We do that by respecting our clients' current abilities and we help them maintain that independence by only offering help where and when it is needed.  We also check out our employees -- they are bonded and insured and we do extensive criminal, DMV and reference checks.  But don't take my word for it, ask to see the proof.  Why? People lie.  My neighbor used a local cleaning company.  They told her their employees were bonded and insured.  They lied.  And, they admitted that they didn't even do a background check on this employee, which, as it turned out, wasn't really an employee she was an independent contractor.

So what is the moral of this story? There are obviously several.  But the primary one I would like to leave you with is the importance of treating seniors with the respect that they deserve.  Just because someone's body might be failing them, does not mean that they are not capable of processing thoughts and speaking for themselves.  Give them the same intellectual respect you would someone half their age.  They deserve it and so will you when you are their age.

I helped my neighbor during her time of crisis and I am happy to help you too if you need advice in navigating the many options of elder care.  I've been in this business for nearly ten years and I enjoy being a trusted resource to my friends and neighbors.

Andi Carroll

704-892-0030

Home Careolina

Making the Home Comfortable for the Person with Cognitive Deficits

Try not to create a home that feels too restrictive. The home should encourage independence and social interaction.

1. Provide reality orientation cues to help reduce confusion such as calendars that have clear, simple information with one day per page: digital clocks that show am and pm; a blackboard or message board for reminders; and daily activities lists.

2. Do not rearrange furniture and keep familiar objects around and in place.

3. Keep a current picture of the person for ID purposes.

4. Check for tight or constricting clothing.  Discomfort may cause acting out or behavior changes.

5. Label rooms and objects with large signs, especially the bathroom.

6. Add extra lights to entries, doorways, stairways, areas between rooms, and bathrooms.

7. Use night lights in hallways, bedrooms and bathrooms to prevent accidents and reduce disorientation.

8. Cover doors and locks with a painted mural or cloth. Use "Dutch" (half) doors, swinging doors or folding doors to hide entrances to the kitchen, stairwell, workroom and storage areas.

9. Make space for activities.

10. Be patient.  If wants and needs cannot be expressed, pay attention to body language.

11. If finding or using the toilet is a problem, using a contrasting color toilet seat helps the cognitively impaired individual “see” the toilet.

12. Depth perception is often diminished; using color identifies objects such as sofas and chairs, or change in flooring levels.

Andi Carroll

704-892-0030

Home Careolina

Communication Techniques to help those with Cognitive Impairment.

Recognizing the need for the way you communicate and implementing these approaches will allow for less chaos, behavior and frustration.

1. Use Yes/No questions and avoid choices and open-ended questions.

2. Avoid lengthy explanations.  Give short, simple explanations.

3. Never argue or power struggle.

4. Avoid giving more than 1 task at a time.

5. A low pitched, slow, measured tone of voice will help reassure the person.

6. Speak slowly and clearly.

7. Be concrete and specific.

8. Be patient. Give the person time to respond.

9. Keep a calm, accepting, and open affect.

10. Long-term memory is often intact, so encourage reminiscing.

11. Try to interpret the feelings the person is try to express rather than the content.  Pay attention to body language.

12. Avoid treating the person like an infant.

13. Do not directly challenge delusions or fantasies, but cast doubt.  For example, “you may think you are in France, but this is the United States.”

14. Consistently re-orient the person to person, place and time.

15. Avoid frustrating or confusing topics.ccTry to change the subject.

16. Be aware of your body language and consciously slow down and relax.

 

Andi Carroll
704-892-0030
Home Careolina

Choosing an Agency for In-Home Care

Aging in place is a term we hear over and over again.  Because there is no place like home, older people choose to remain in their home for comfort, control and independence. 

When older people lose their ability to perform basic household and personal tasks, they are typically forced out of their home in order to receive assistance. This can be devastating and can cause long-lasting depression.

Assistance in the home may include household chores such as cleaning and cooking; personal care that is non-medical such as bathing, dressing or moving around the house; errands and transportation; activities such as playing cards, going for walks, going out for a meal or just having conversations.

Selecting a Home Care Agency can be difficult and time consuming.  We at Home Careolina want to make this transition easier for you and your family.  Under "Home Care Checklist" on our website, there are questions you should always ask of an agency.  I urge you to look at this checklist before contacting an agency.

One important issue to consider is the cost of care.  If you have long-term health insurance, your home care costs may be covered.  This will depend on the type and terms of your policy.  If you qualify for VA benefits, your home care costs may be covered. If you do not have long-term insurance or qualify for VA benefits, you will need to pay out of pocket.  Medicare does not pay for non-medical services.

Every home care agency works differently.  Ask questions. It is your right.

If you start with an agency and find you a not pleased, tell them.  If they don't correct the problem, you can change agencies at any time.  Just let them know.  If you have any questions that are not covered on our checklist, give us a call or shoot us an email.  If we can't help you, then we will point you in the right direction!

Andi Carroll

704-892-0030

Home Careolina

Part Time Senior Care in Cornelius

As a licensed senior care agency in Cornelius, we offer numerous services, including part time in-home senior care and assistance.

Many of our clients are acclimated to their home and for circumstances beyond their control find themselves in need of assistance.  A good example of when part time senior care is needed would be returning home from the hospital.  Other times, and most often, the need sneaks up on the senior and their family.  One day mom is perfectly capable of taking care of herself and her house, and the next day she is not.  While a family member might be able to provide some assistance, job and family demands often prevent them from being able to offer enough help to their loved one.  Home Careolina's caregivers can bridge that gap. And, we can preserve the relationship between parent and child in the process!  Instead of doing chores while visiting mom and dad, why not spend more quality time with them instead?  We can ensure that proper medications are taken on time, cleaning and laundry issues are resolved, meals are prepared, and bathing and transfer assistance is provided -- among many other things.   Our primary goal is to help the senior stay at home for as long as possible .... and our flexible staff and compassionate caregivers help us meet that goal every day! If you know someone struggling to care for mom or dad, tell them about us.  They will be glad you did!

Andi Carroll

704-892-0030

Home Careolina

My Story: The birth of Home Careolina Senior Care

People often ask me how I came to be an owner of a home care agency.  Are you a nurse? No.  Do you have a medical background? No.  So how is it that a mother of four decided to open a home care agency in the Lake Norman area in 2004?  I often joke that Home Careolina is my fifth child.  But it really isn't much of a joke.  I do feel like I gave birth to this service company nearly ten years ago and have nurtured it along the way each year since....much like my children!

In 2003, my mother in law had a need for short term home care following a surgery.  I was shocked to learn that most agencies serving the Lake Norman area were based in Charlotte or Statesville.   I saw a need for a local presence and decided that it was time for me to re-enter the workforce.  After taking time off to start our family, I wanted to do something that was service oriented.  I knew that whatever I did would take valuable time away from my family.  Therefore, it needed to be time well spent and worthy of that sacrifice -- so helping seniors age in place in their own homes was a perfect fit. 

Home Careolina Senior Care has enjoyed steady growth since its inception.  We have a wonderful team of caregivers and an office staff who has a true spirit of service.  I like to describe Home Careolina as a "boutique" home care agency -- not because we are more expensive -- because we are not, but because we are truly different.  We are not a franchise so we have complete control over how we run our business.  Our RN's and office staff will bend over backwards time and again to best serve our clients' needs.  Why? It's rather simple, because we care.  Because we live here, our children go to school here, we attend church here....this is our home and these seniors and their families are our friends and neighbors.  To us, this is more than a business....it is a way to give back to a community that we love and cherish.  We should all be able to grow old here.

So, if you know of anyone who could use some extra help at home or a family caregiver who needs a break, give us a call....we can help.

 

 

Andi Carroll, Co-owner
704-892-0030
Home Careolina

Welcome to the Elderly Care Blog!

Here at Home Careolina we are dedicated to providing senior care to elders in the Lake Norman and Charlotte areas of North Carolina and a part of our services is giving you a better insight of what we do by providing information on disabilities and assisted living. Check back to our blog often for further information and news about Home Careolina and if you ever have any questions never hesitate to contact us.

Andi Carroll

704-892-0030