Category: !CAI

Ah, February. The month where love is in the air and there are hearts everywhere! And that is why February is known as Heart Month!

The American Heart Association (AHA) puts the focus on heart health awareness each February, because heart disease is a leading cause of death in the US. Heart Month encourages individuals to focus on their cardiovascular health and take steps to improve their heart health overall.

In more recent years, the AHA has put a special focus on women’s heart health. They host Go Red for Women events, and every year there is a Wear Red Day around February 6th or 7th.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer of women. Nearly 45% of women aged 20 plus are living with some form of cardiovascular disease, and only half of women entering pregnancy in the United States have optimal cardiovascular health. Women experience unique life stages, such as pregnancy and menopause, that can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

I’m sure you have all seen these “signs and symptoms” lists before, but they definitely bear repeating here:

*Signs and symptoms of heart attack

1. Uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. It lasts more than a few minutes or goes away and comes back.
2. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.
3. Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.
4. Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.

And did you know that in addition, there is a “silent heart attack?” A silent heart attack is often chalked up to symptoms of stress or anxiety, and often dismissed. Just like any other heart attack, there is a blockage of blood flow to a section of the heart. Symptoms later discovered to have been a heart attack include indigestion, flu-like feelings, a feeling like a strained muscle in the chest or upper back, or discomfort in the jaw, upper back or arms. Because a silent heart attack often leaves scarring and damage, it puts a person at higher risk of other heart problems. And because the person didn’t know to seek treatment, blood flow to the heart might not have been restored quickly, no medications were administered, and the impact could be greater.

If you think you may be having a heart attack, please get help immediately and advocate for yourself! It’s also not a bad idea to bring someone to advocate for you, so that the heart attack isn’t mistaken for a panic attack or something else.

*Signs and symptoms of stroke

1. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body
2. Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding
3. Sudden trouble seeing or blurred vision in one or both eyes
4. Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
5. Sudden severe headache with no known cause

If you ever experience any of the signs and symptoms of either a heart attack or a stroke, please call 911 immediately!

While you can always play Google MD to learn more about what predisposes someone to being more prone to heart disease, most of us already know that family history as well as poor diet, lack of exercise, and smoking are all contributing factors. Heart failure may still hit the healthiest of people and is a diagnosis that has a big impact on that person’s life. How well someone does depends upon the type of cardiac problem, the involved medical care, and the support provided by family and friends.

Daily assistance for loved ones with a heart condition is so important, and Care Advantage provides that much-needed extra layer of support. A caregiver can help patients remain stable when things are under control and can also recognize the signs that things might be getting out of hand. This allows early medical intervention to occur, getting things back on track. Our caregivers weigh heart failure patients daily to check for fluid retention, and make sure medications are taken on the proper schedule.

For stroke patients, we help them regain mobility and can assist with feeding, and we converse with them to aid in speech improvement. We oversee heart healthy lifestyle changes, ensuring proper diet, hydration, exercise, and more. We can accompany patients to doctor appointments, list to the explanations, and take notes for the patient and family. And should there be any negative changes in status, we recognize when a call to the doctor is warranted, or if the patient should go to the hospital. This daily assistance alleviates acute episodes and improves longer term outcomes.

In the spirit of Heart Month, take a minute to thank your ticker for all that it does for you every single day. And take another minute to think about how you can improve your health to ensure your heart has many more years of ticking right along!

When I was first asked to write a “Day in the Life” article about myself, my immediate reaction was: Nope! I thought, what would I even say? Where would I start? But then, the answer came to me loud and clear—start from the beginning!

I am a wife to my husband Michael and a mom to two wonderful sons, James and Daniel. I’m a sister to three amazing siblings and an aunt to five nieces and one nephew. Healthcare runs in my blood—literally! My mom is a Registered Nurse, my dad is an Occupational Therapist, and my brother, sister-in-law, and sister are all Physical Therapists. With that kind of family, it’s no surprise that I found myself in healthcare, even if I took a different path. They’ve all helped me navigate the clinical side of this industry—so much so that I joke I know just enough to play a nurse on TV!

My journey began in 2006, when I took my first position at a CCRC (Continuum of Care Retirement Community) as a Unit Secretary for a 200+ bed Assisted Living facility. That role kept me on my toes! It was fast-paced, ever-changing, and full of learning moments. I had to keep up, and I did—quickly.

After a year, I transitioned to their sister community, where I enrolled in their Management Program. This was an exciting chapter of my career because I had the opportunity to learn the role of every manager in the community. That’s right—every single one! I spent eight months soaking up knowledge before settling into the Business Office, where I would spend the next three years.

During this time, I somehow managed to juggle a full-time job while earning two master’s degrees—an MBA and a master’s in healthcare administration. Looking back, I was a very busy young lady!

After five years at the CCRC, I was ready for my next adventure. I became a Clinic Director at Planned Parenthood—just four blocks from the White House! It was an eye-opening experience, but I quickly realized it wasn’t the right fit for me.

Next, I transitioned into a role with a Home Health company in Washington, DC, as a Community Liaison. This position required me to understand the work of Registered Nurses, Physical Therapists, Speech Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Home Health Aides—good thing I had a built-in family network to guide me! I learned so much about supporting healthcare providers and the profound impact our services have on patients’ lives.

I was later promoted to Director of Business Development, where I helped build a team of Community Liaisons. I spent eight wonderful years meeting new people, helping patients one by one, and building strong relationships throughout the DMV.

Enter: Capital City Nurses.

By 2019, I was ready for a new challenge. That is when I was offered an opportunity at Capital City Nurses—just three months before the world shut down due to COVID. But that’s a story for another day!

My role at Capital City Nurses has been incredibly rewarding. Every day, I have the privilege of connecting families with the care they need. My mornings start with my children—getting them off to school and having a light breakfast with my husband. Then, it’s off to work—emails, texts, morning meetings, and a glance at my calendar before heading out on the road. I spend my days meeting with accounts, connecting with potential clients, and walking them through the care journey before they even meet their first caregiver.

I also spend time coordinating care with my office, ensuring that every client gets the best possible experience. I love what I do, and I can’t believe I’ve already spent five years with Capital City Nurses. As they say, “Time flies when you’re having fun!” Every day, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the DMV community and truly thank God for this journey.

After work, I shift back into mom mode—whether that means heading to basketball practice with my boys or enjoying dinner at home. Then the next morning, I start it all over again—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Thank you for reading, and for allowing me to share A Day in My Life!

A Q&A with the new CEO of Care Advantage, Inc.

What can you tell us about yourself?

My hometown is St. Louis, where many of my closest friends still reside. Today, I live with my wife, Leslie, and our two sons, Ethan and Dylan, along with our two dogs, Hunter and Meadow. Ethan is finishing high school and will begin his first year at the University of Alabama this fall, while Dylan is starting high school. Both are dedicated students, athletes, and gentlemen, and I couldn’t be prouder of them.

Professionally, I have spent my career scaling healthcare organizations and driving transformative growth. As President of PT Solutions, a national physical therapy company, we expanded to over 500 locations and built strategic partnerships with 10 major health systems. Before that, I played a key role in growing US Radiology Specialists, where I led platform development that fueled strong organic growth and the successful acquisition and integration of 13 companies. The business ultimately encompassed 177 imaging centers—including 78 joint ventures with health systems—and 85 hospital-based imaging sites across 13 states.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, whether attending sporting events, traveling, or simply relaxing together.

What excites you about leading Care Advantage, Inc. as CEO?

What excites me most is the opportunity to lead a company with a deeply ingrained culture of care. Even in my short time here, it has become clear that Care Advantage truly lives by its mission and values, which I greatly admire.

I’m honored to be part of a team so passionate and invested in its mission. From the caregivers who deliver exceptional support to the operations teams who ensure seamless service, every individual plays a critical role in empowering people to live with dignity and independence. The dedication and heart that drive this organization are what make it truly special.

What is Care Advantage, Inc.’s greatest strength and most significant opportunity?

Our greatest strength lies in three core areas: our people, our market-leading technology stack, and our extensive partner ecosystem. Combining these elements enables us to deliver best-in-class care and continually enhance our support to clients and families.

Looking ahead, 2025 presents an incredible opportunity for supercharged growth. With a strong operational foundation and a reputation for innovation, we are positioned to expand organically and through mergers and acquisitions. This will be a year of unprecedented momentum for Care Advantage as we extend our reach and bring our high-quality care to even more individuals and communities.

What will be your top priorities as CEO?

My top priority is to build on the strong foundation that has made Care Advantage a leader in home care. That means fostering our culture, investing in our teams, and expanding our services to meet the growing demand for high-quality, in-home care.

We already serve a large and diverse client base across multiple states, but the opportunity to scale our impact even further is significant. By continuing to innovate and strengthen our partnerships, we can ensure more families have access to the exceptional care that defines Care Advantage.

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I strongly advocate for youth sports, as my sons are athletes. Sports teach invaluable perseverance, teamwork, and leadership lessons, and I love supporting them from the sidelines. I also enjoy traveling with my family—whether a beach getaway or a ski trip—and making the most of our time together.

Care Advantage, Inc. Announces CEO Transition

As Care Advantage, Inc. enters its next growth phase, we are pleased to announce the following transition in our Leadership Team. Tim Hanold will pass the baton to Dave Wagnon, who will step in as our new Chief Executive Officer. At the same time, Tim will remain actively involved as an Operating Partner with Searchlight Capital serving as an Executive Advisor to Care Advantage, Inc.

Under Tim’s leadership over seven years, Care Advantage, Inc. has grown into the largest privately owned home care provider in the Atlantic Mid-South, serving over 20,000 clients annually. With the company stronger than ever, this transition marks a natural step forward as we expand our footprint and enhance our services.

Dave Wagnon brings a proven track record of scaling healthcare organizations, most recently as PT Solutions’ President, leading growth to over 500 locations and multiple health system partnerships. His expertise in operational excellence and strategic growth makes him the right leader to drive Care Advantage, Inc. into this exciting new stage of accelerated growth.

We thank Tim for his outstanding leadership and are excited that he will continue to play a vital role in our journey. Please join us in welcoming Dave and celebrating this next chapter for Care Advantage, Inc.

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A Lifelong Calling, My Journey into Senior Care.

From a young age, I always had an interest in the older adult population. I wasn’t sure why, but even as a child, I knew in my heart that I wanted to dedicate my life to working with seniors. This passion guided me as I pursued my bachelor’s degree in social work, during which time I had the privilege of completing internships at adult daycare centers and hospitals in the Richmond area. These early experiences solidified my commitment to making a real difference in the lives of seniors and their families.

Upon graduating, I embarked on a rewarding career that has taken me through various facets of senior care. I began in social work, transitioned into roles as a Marketing Director within skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities, and later expanded my expertise through medical device sales. Each role deepened my understanding of the unique challenges faced by seniors and their families, equipping me with valuable tools to support them through life’s transitions.

My journey has also brought me to the fields of home health and hospice care, where I’ve had the honor of helping families navigate complex and emotional journeys with compassion. Today, I am incredibly grateful to be part of the Care Advantage family, providing in-home care that allows clients to remain in the comfort of their own homes. There is nothing more rewarding than offering families peace of mind and ensuring their loved ones receive the highest quality of care in a familiar and loving environment.

With years of knowledge and experience in this industry, I am privileged to help clients and their families explore options for aging in place, tailoring care to meet their unique needs. It is a true blessing to be part of this work and to support families during some of the most significant moments in their lives.

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KEEPING UP WITH THE GUIDE MODEL

Since November 2024, we have been hard at work facilitating the GUIDE model within our client base and are now actively receiving CMS vouchers for the program with more being approved every week. With the GUIDE model, Care Advantage clients may be eligible for 80 hours annually of free in-home care support services after evaluation. Keep reading to learn about the GUIDE model, who it impacts, and what our clients and clinicians have to say about it.

The ‘Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience’ (GUIDE) Model is a pioneering program announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) designed to support caregivers and their loved ones navigating the dementia care journey. By offering free supplementary in-home care, the GUIDE Program’s respite voucher model offers in-home support tailored to ensuring comfort, safety, and dignity to our clients and offering peace of mind and rest to their caregivers.

WHAT PATIENTS NEED TO KNOW:

At Care Advantage Inc, we know that caring for a loved one with dementia is both rewarding and demanding. We are excited to be able to offer the GUIDE respite program which allows us to continue to provide compassionate care that supports your individual needs.

The GUIDE Respite voucher offers 80 hours of respite care, specifically designed to support caregivers of individuals with dementia or dementia-like symptoms. Your hours can be used in flexible 4-hour increments, allowing you to take a break, recharge your batteries, and return with renewed energy while knowing we are providing tailored care for your loved ones.

Respite care is important because it allows you to take time to care for yourself. Studies show that taking regular breaks improves caregiver well-being, reduces the risk of burnout, and allows you to continue providing the loving care your family member deserves, in the place they are most comfortable..

Make sure to use your hours. Don’t save them for a rainy day! Preventative respite care decreases the risk of emergencies, slows cognitive decline, and reduces hospitalizations. Discuss your needs with your nurse and we can help you get your hours scheduled.

WHAT PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THE GUIDE MODEL:

“I think the GUIDE program is great because it connects experienced caregivers with some of our most at-risk clients and gives their families the confidence they need to take respite for themselves.

I had a husband-and-wife couple that both got approved. When I told the daughter she was excited and couldn’t believe that both of her parents were approved, meaning she could step away knowing both of them would be cared for.”

-Casey, RN in Fredericksburg

“It’s a great resource to those in need of a great amount of assistance due to cognitive decline. It provides much-needed reprieve in a time that families struggle to find it. With our nurses’ help and the GUIDE program’s help we can keep these clients home longer where clients are happier!”

-Micki, RN in South Boston

GUIDE works with preferred partners like Care Advantage to personalize care plans and provide additional support for our clients. A team of caregivers can provide the patient with support to ensure that they receive the care that’s right for them. While the client’s family receives resources and information to help them support their loved ones, caregivers are supported by temporary relief care to keep them at their very best when they’re working.

WHAT THE GUIDE MODEL CAN DO FOR YOU

• Personalized care plans: Each patient receives a customized care plan based on their health needs, stage of dementia or cognitive impairment, personal preferences, and family/caregiver input. Care plans are regularly reviewed and updated as their cognitive and physical condition changes.
• Peace of mind: Time for caregivers to step away and recharge their batteries, all while knowing that their loved ones are in capable hands. Taking time for yourself is essential for your own well-being. It reduces burnout and allows you to continue providing the loving care that your loved one deserves.
• Enhanced care coordination: Seamless collaboration between healthcare providers to deliver exceptional care with the aim of reducing hospitalization rates and emergency department visits. This approach can delay or prevent unnecessary care transitions, keeping our clients at home and in their communities where they are most at ease.
• Empowerment through education: GUIDE offers educational materials and workshops for families about dementia care, helping them understand disease progression and how to best support their loved ones.
• Comprehensive support: The program offers assistance with adapting a client’s living environment for a dementia-friendly home, reducing confusion and accidents. Creating and training staff on emergency protocols specific to dementia care, including wander prevention plans, medical emergencies and managing behavioral crises.
• Advance care planning: GUIDE helps document patient wishes for future care, ensuring their values and preferences are respected.
• Respite for caregivers: Temporary relief is offered to caregivers, allowing them to rest and recharge, improving their ability to provide quality care.

Thank you for trusting us to be part of your caregiving journey. We are thrilled to welcome GUIDE as the latest in our efforts to make your in-home care as easy and supportive as possible. Please reach out with any questions—we’re here to help.

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Every year in the winter months, our Client Service teams see an increase in care inquiries from families. Holiday visits can be a wake-up call to declines in loved ones, highlighting the true hardships that older adults start to face regarding their health. You may have seen them struggling physically to complete tasks that they previously enjoyed doing with ease, or maybe you noticed a slight change in their emotional health. This can often be painful to see and may be even harder to address.

Winter brings on additional layers of health concerns with the flu, Covid, norovirus, and other infectious outbreaks.

The timing of these seasonal infections couldn’t be worse. Patients may be reluctant to go to follow-up appointments or even accept post-acute services in their homes because they were busy during the holidays, or now do not want to go out due to the cold or inclement weather. Non-compliance with medications and care plan items may have occurred while focusing on holiday fun.

There may have been dietary indiscretions over the holidays – because who can say no to another piece of pie? Exposure to visiting friends and relatives increases the risks of those pesky infections. Older adults, or anyone who has recently been sick, likely experienced excessive fatigue and weakness from holiday plans during the “most wonderful time of the year.” Let’s face it, we all get tired, distracted, and a little non-compliant during the winter, but for patients who have chronic conditions like CHF, COPD, or diabetes, straying from their normal regimen can mean an increased risk for exacerbations, complications, and even hospital admissions.

Whether you’re family of an older adult or a provider for patients or residents of a senior living community, it’s important to be able to recognize some of the warning signs of a winter downturn in health:

1. Memory loss and forgetfulness: forgetting appointments or bills to be paid, repeating themselves, putting common objects in illogical places, forgetting to take medications at the correct times or in correct doses.
2. Mobility issues: having problems walking or getting up from a chair, muscle or joint pain. Look at stairways, slippery floors, furniture obstacles, shower or tub thresholds.
3. Eating issues: losing weight, becoming dehydrated, not cooking, forgetting to eat, unhealthy eating, loss of appetite. They may be having troubles cooking, reading recipes, holding utensils, operating a stove, or their sense of taste and smell may be impacted. Check the refrigerator for outdated items and make sure they’re drinking ample fluids to avoid dehydration.
4. Detachment: low spirits, listless, lacking involvement in things like visiting friends or participating in community activities. Have their vision and hearing checked. And simply talk to them about this.
5. Change in personal hygiene: not brushing teeth or combing hair, not going to the barber on a usual schedule, wearing the same clothing regularly, not bathing on a schedule. Talk to them as this can be a sign of physical problems, depression, or even dementia.
6. Change in personality: talking too loudly or too softly, accusing people of doing things against them, wanting to check on children or displaying other odd behaviors. These may be common signs of sun-downing if the confusion is especially worse later in the day. Plan activities during the daytime to include sunlight exposure, keep a nightlight on to reduce agitation.
7. Unusual clutter: dirty laundry, unopened mail, unkempt house especially kitchen and bathroom, unmowed lawn. Maybe home maintenance has become too much.
8. Bruises, scratches, burns: these may be signs that there are balance and safety issues, and likely frequent falls.

After being independent and self-sufficient for so long, it’s difficult for older adults to admit that they need help. But it’s important to communicate with them – whether it is a loved one, a patient, or a resident of a senior living community – to let them know why you are worried and that you want to help. Then come up with a plan together. Try to answer some difficult questions, such as how can we help? Can we reasonably and successfully handle it? Is it time to have outside help?

Negative feelings are normal! You are going to have some guilt, frustration, sadness, and anxiety. For families, this change in dynamics can be very complicated. Understand that these intense emotions and thoughts are all completely normal! It is extremely difficult to suddenly take on the parent role for an older adult, especially a family member. Don’t avoid the situation, and surround yourself with lots of support. Move at your own pace and be sure to take care of yourself.

Older adults may not be able to make too many decisions. A sad part of aging is that all that is left are choices about what to wear, what to eat for lunch, and how they can stay in their home or at their current level of care in a senior living community. It is important to acknowledge their fears regarding the future, and their disappointment with not being able to function independently. Let them know you understand how difficult this is. Empathize and let them share their sadness and frustration.

Choose your words carefully. Avoid “you need to” or “you should” statements. Ask questions about how things are going, or how they feel about the fact that they’re falling more often. It will not put them on the defensive like saying “I know you’re falling a lot.” And the best one is “how can we work together to keep you safe?”

Timing is everything! Don’t seize the moment in the emergency room to tell an older adult that they’ve fallen too many times and can’t live alone anymore. If your immediate reaction to news of an alarming incident is to make them feel that you are taking away their independence, they will fear telling you any important details about their health and safety, which could result in future incidents.

Implement a course of action to help this older adult receive the support that they need with their declining health. Address the status of any insurance policies, legal documents, daily needs, finances, and most importantly, living arrangements. Are there changes that need to be made in the house? Is their current situation suitable? Making these plans is not going to be easy, but with a good plan and proper support, it is something that can and must happen to ensure the well-being of an aging senior.

You do not have to take this responsibility on alone! In fact, you should be looking for outside help and support so that these older adults are taken care of in a positive manner. For family members it’s important that your own well-being is sufficiently maintained. If you are in a patient care role or in a resident care role, having that outside support is also important to ensure that your patient/resident is safe and well supported to alleviate hospital admissions. Care Advantage can help coordinate and delegate what older adults need, both long term and on a daily basis.

If they want to stay in their home, discuss helping them evaluate what that would need to look like. Care Advantage exists for exactly this reason! Let the older adult be part of these conversations. Schedule a consult with our team, take a tour of some senior living communities. Look at various options to feel well planned for current living needs and for future considerations.

During the winter, help ensure an older adult’s home is maintained, and that hazards are cleared around the house. Make sure that they are dressing appropriately for the bitter temperatures and inclement weather. Stock a rescue kit in their car or consider dedicated transportation, and make sure they know how to use a cell phone and how to keep it charged and turned on.

This is a marathon, not a sprint. You won’t solve all issues over the course of one conversation. Do so in small chunks, revisit topics as needed, and set plans as you go. And be sure to celebrate wins along the way!

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Meet Heba Baldwin, a Coordinator on our Client Services team at Care Advantage. As a Coordinator, Heba talks with our clients on the phone and face-to-face to make sure they have their needs met. We asked Heba to answer some questions about her personal and professional journey. Take a few moments to get to know Heba a little bit better through these 10 questions!

In 20 words or less, describe your job.
Helping clients get the care they need for their loved ones during their most stressful times.

What is your favorite thing about your job?
I love building a relationship with my clients and to not only be a sounding board for them while they’re trying to navigate through this unfamiliar and stressful time in their lives, but also being able to provide additional resources as well to truly give them a one of a kind experience.

If you weren’t working here, what would you want to do?
I would like to be a therapist—mental health and substance abuse both have a strong negative stigma associated with them and I don’t feel enough people have the resources they need to work through that.

If you could invite 3 celebrities to dinner (living or deceased) who would you choose?
Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence, and Freddie Mercury.

What is something (either professionally or personally) that you are proud of?
I am very proud that I went back to school in my late 30s.  It has definitely been a challenge but one that I don’t regret in the slightest.

What is your favorite sport to watch and what team to you root for?
I am an avid football fan (soccer). Being Egyptian, of course I root for them, but if I’m being honest, it’s Liverpool.

What is one professional skill that you are working on?
Time-management is my Achilles heel.

Why did you choose to work for our company?
I saw first-hand how well our caregivers take care of our clients and how well the company takes care of all of us.

What motivates you at work?
Helping our clients get the care they need for their loved ones and building that connection with them to become a trusted source of support.

In ten words or less, what is the best advice you were ever given?
Live in the moment because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

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Growing up, it was instilled in my brothers and myself to respect our elders. Our childhood consisted of “yes ma’am,” “yes sir,” and many, many chores. In this way, being raised in a household that had vast respect for elders has helped me steer my professional journey. Throughout my career, I have worked in many different industries: medical devices, commercial moving, rigging, IT, hospice, and home care. Over many years of selling many different products and services, it became apparent that I needed to find a career where helping people was at the forefront.

Prior to starting with Capital City Nurses and Care Advantage, I was a Representative for VITAS. Selling hospice and assisting families going through the most difficult times of their life was the most humbling experience of my own. It seemed like every day I was hearing about folks having a fall, which inevitably led to their hospice need. This led me to realize I needed to get into home care and educate my local communities about preventative, protective care.

When I looked to jump into the home care world, I researched many different agencies and was drawn to Care Advantage; I found that their mission, values, and leadership aligned closely with my own. After earning this opportunity to be a part of such a reputable organization, it was humbling to meet several caregivers that have been employed with our company for so many years. This March will mark four years that I have been fortunate enough to be a part of this team and organization. I am truly grateful and honored to be a part of something that helps so many people.

All of the teams at Care Advantage and Capital City Nurses strive to provide quality care services to local communities. Each person has their own reason for giving their all; for instance, I work hard to make my wife and children proud. My wife began her career with her previous company way back in October 2009 as a Recruiter, and over the years worked her way up to Chief People Officer. She recently went out on her own as a consultant. I couldn’t be more proud of her and the amount of success she has had throughout her career. She drives me to excel at my career and I truly admire her many achievements.

When it comes to my children, I want them to be surrounded by parents that work very hard with their careers and help people, to inspire them to find careers that they are passionate about as well. I want to encourage my children that finding a career is more than finding a paycheck; finding a career is finding something that you are passionate about and fulfills your goals.

When my career is over and I retire, I won’t reflect on any financial accomplishments, but the personal ones. At the end of the day, I want to help as many people as I can for as long as I am granted the opportunity.

This month, we formally announced our partnership with AlayaCare, a global technology platform for home and community-based care. The move to AlayaCare underscores our commitment to innovation and excellence in home care, ensuring that clients and their families receive the best care and support possible.

Featuring tools for easy communication, data sharing, and care management, AlayaCare has been voted one of the best caregiver apps in home care software. We are excited to continue using AlayaCare to provide our clients with flexibility, customizability, and the highest level of care we can provide. AlayaCare is useful for both referral sources and clients, boasting features such as:

For Referral Sources

• Immediate intake and referral process
• Real-time updates and built-in patient reports including progress and KPIs
• Easy information sharing between patient and care provider—clients can give care providers access to their Family Portal
• Automated repetitive referral tasks protect against manual errors
• Stores data such as medication and treatment plans to ensure your patient has their needs met
• Simple visit verification for peace of mind and ease of use
• Superb matching of caregiver skills to client needs

For Clients

• Request new services directly from the app as singular or recurring visits
• Perform self-assessments and complete forms within the portal
• Matches client needs to caregiver qualifications
• Proprietary communication system to ensure swift and secure messaging 
• Easy calendar access