Glen and Michelle Scharfeld are the devoted co-owners of Senior Helpers, a multi-territory in-home care service working throughout the Nature Coast and Solar Coast areas.
Glen, a veteran regulation enforcement officer with over 20 years of service, leverages his intensive neighborhood engagement expertise to reinforce take care of seniors and veterans. Holding a Grasp of Science in Human Sources Administration, Glen additionally contributes considerably to veteran communities by way of his function within the Veteran Neighborhood Partnership coalition with the VA.
Michelle brings her sturdy authorized experience, having labored as a Authorized Assistant and Judges Assistant, to make sure that Senior Helpers operates with the very best requirements of compliance and advocacy. Collectively, they concentrate on educating veterans and the general public about out there care advantages and sources, considerably impacting the standard of life for hundreds of people. Glen and Michelle are mother and father to 2 aspiring service trade professionals, persevering with their legacy of service and care.
How did each of you get began with Senior Helpers, and what impressed you to concentrate on in-home take care of seniors?
Glen: My background in regulation enforcement typically put me in contact with probably the most susceptible populations, together with seniors. Seeing the necessity for compassionate {and professional} care drove us to begin Senior Helpers. Our purpose has at all times been to reinforce the standard of life for our purchasers and their households.
Michelle: For me, working within the authorized subject, particularly with seniors and veterans, highlighted the gaps in care and sources out there. We noticed a possibility to make a major distinction with Senior Helpers by offering devoted and complete assist to those communities.
Glen, are you able to share a bit about your function on the Veteran Neighborhood Partnership coalition with the VA?
Glen: Completely. I work with the coalition to reinforce the bridge between veterans’ wants and the neighborhood sources out there to them. This function entails coordination with numerous organizations to streamline entry to care and assist providers for veterans.
Michelle, how has your authorized background influenced your method to working an in-home care enterprise?
Michelle: My authorized expertise has been invaluable, notably in understanding the regulatory points of healthcare and navigating the complexities of Medicare and VA advantages for our purchasers. It ensures we function throughout the regulation and advocate successfully for our purchasers’ wants.
What are among the distinctive challenges you face within the in-home care trade, and the way do you deal with them?
Glen: One main problem is the various well being circumstances and wishes of our purchasers. We deal with this by customizing our care plans and guaranteeing our workers are extremely skilled and geared up to deal with a variety of conditions.
Michelle: One other problem is guaranteeing the security and safety of each our purchasers and caregivers. We have now rigorous protocols and steady coaching to keep up the very best requirements of care and safety.
Are you able to inform us extra concerning the academic initiatives Senior Helpers gives to the neighborhood?
Michelle: We provide free public schooling on senior care, together with on-site Digital Dementia excursions, that are very eye-opening for households of these with dementia. It’s about creating an knowledgeable neighborhood that may assist its getting older members successfully.
Glen, your profession in regulation enforcement awarded you over 40 commendations. How has that have influenced your management type at Senior Helpers?
Glen: My regulation enforcement profession taught me the significance of integrity, resilience, and neighborhood service. I carry these values to Senior Helpers, guaranteeing that we serve our purchasers with the utmost respect and dedication.
What accomplishments at Senior Helpers are you most pleased with?
Michelle: I’m notably pleased with how we’ve managed to broaden our providers to achieve extra veterans and seniors, guaranteeing they obtain the care they want. It’s rewarding to see the direct affect of our work on their high quality of life.
How do you stability the calls for of working a enterprise with household life?
Glen: It’s all about setting priorities and efficient time administration. We additionally contain our youngsters in our work the place acceptable, serving to them perceive the significance of service to others.
Michelle: We attempt to preserve our weekends sacred for household time. It’s necessary for us to recharge and reconnect as a household.
What future plans do you might have for increasing or evolving Senior Helpers’ providers?
Glen: We’re trying into leveraging extra know-how to reinforce our care providers, together with distant well being monitoring methods, which might drastically profit our purchasers with power well being points.
Michelle: Moreover, we’re exploring partnerships with native healthcare suppliers to supply a extra built-in care mannequin that covers all points of our purchasers’ well being and wellness wants.
What recommendation would you give to somebody trying to enter the in-home care trade?
Michelle: It’s essential to have a ardour for serving to others and a robust understanding of the healthcare panorama. Being adaptable and empathetic will go a great distance on this subject.
What retains you motivated throughout robust occasions?
Glen: Seeing the distinction we make in our purchasers’ lives retains me going. Each “thank you” we get from a household reassures us that we’re on the suitable path.
Michelle: And for me, it’s concerning the individuals we serve. Realizing that we’re offering important providers that enhance the standard of life for seniors and veterans provides us each function and motivation.