Managing at home just got a little easier
By Mary Malik
In the words of Dorothy, “there’s no place like home.” No one understands this sentiment better than the elderly faced with leaving their homes when staying becomes unmanageable. Jennifer Patronis started Better at Home home care in 2016 with the goal of providing professional, compassionate personal care and assistance so people can stay longer in the place they really want to be.
“Coming from an agency background, I learned every aspect of the home care business,” says Jennifer. “The most important thing I learned is that caring for older adults who have difficulty caring for themselves is a true calling. It takes compassion, understanding, patience and a little creativity.”
Better at Home caregivers are experienced professionals prepared to offer personal care and assistance, meal planning and preparation, medication reminders, transportation and errands, light housekeeping and pet care, and companionship.
“Before a caregiver enters your home, I personally do an extensive assessment with the individual(s) receiving care and the family,” says Jennifer. “We make a plan together that honors everyone’s requests. We feel we are essentially taking the place of the family who cannot be available for their loved one. We are your eyes and ears, giving everyone peace of mind.”
Jennifer knows that allowing a stranger into your home can be difficult. Even though the care is needed, it isn’t always welcome.
“From experience, I know how hard it can be for anyone to surrender privacy or admit they need help,” says Jennifer. “All of my caregivers have experience in home care and are extensively trained and sensitive to these issues. Training includes role playing of scenarios they may encounter so they are equipped to handle all personalities and behaviors.”
Jennifer and her staff at Better at Home most often discover that the relationships they form with their clients become lasting bonds of companionship and respect.
“We believe that home is the best environment as we age,” says Jennifer. “To be in familiar surroundings helps people dealing with typical aging, along with dementia and other conditions. Better at Home can keep you safe and not just surviving, but also thriving in your own home.”
For more information about Better at Home, LLC email Jennifer atinfo@betterathomehc.com, check the website BetterAtHomeHC.com or call 440-946-1600. The office is at 4043 Erie St. in Willoughby.