As we enter our 10th week of office and nursing teams working remotely, I wanted to take this time to express my heartfelt appreciation to so many people on the WFC team and beyond for all their support during this very challenging time.
I have written in past week about our caregivers’ heroic efforts with their clients while balancing their many family and personal commitments and concerns. Special thanks this week to WFC caregivers Sandra Zhinin and Danso Kodua, who, with assistance from Catherine Lanza have worked 12 days straight with a new client recovering from Covid. This dedication ensured continuity of care and reduce the number of caregivers in the home.
Our Caregivers Have Shown Patience and Sensitivity
I am so proud of our nurses, Irene Flaherty and Annette Buckley who really differentiate WFC from the moment they first connect with the client for assessment through every aspect of their care going forward. Last week was exceptionally busy for WFC and Irene and Annette with several new clients on boarded including two very strong and soon to be independent again 101 year-olds. I’m also very pleased that Jessica Maldonado has returned to assist Irene and Annette with administrative work and caregiver supplies and has also been working to reduce the paper in our clinical functions.
To ensure their safety, our office team continues to work remotely and have not missed a beat on any front. Our coordinators, Ken Thompson & Melissa Cleveland are on the front line with clients and caregivers effectively handling every call with courtesy, patience and sensitivity. Their jobs are even more challenging than normal. Nicole Fowler is responsible for client billing and caregiver payroll and has continued to progress to an almost completely paperless system but still accommodates the few clients that still want traditional paper invoices.
Recruiting for HHAs is Needed Now More Than Ever
One of my largest investments during this period is in our recruiting and HR technologies and processes to continue to build our caregiver team. Melanie DeVillers who has worked tirelessly during this time leading our HR efforts. Note to self …I need to spend more time with Mel getting her work-life balance back even while though she is sequestered in the next room at home the entire day. John Palma has been very dedicated, diligently working with Melanie on a variety of ‘normal’ issues, progressing our projects forward and dealing with all the numerous additional issues that arise with this pandemic.
Highlighting Our Local Community Partners
Last but certainly not least, I’ve written previously about Catherine Lanza’s weekly efforts with our community partners to stay connected and to help make their teams’ and residents’ days a little brighter. She helps wherever and whenever needed whether it be new client inquiries, caregiver supplies and appreciation or occasional work in the field with our clients.
THANKS AND MUCH APPRECIATION TO EVERYONE WHO HELPS WFC PROVIDE TOP NOTCH CARE FOR OUR CLIENTS WHILE MAKING WFC A GREAT PLACE TO WORK.
There is also a broader circle of Operational and Clinical Improvement, Accounting, Legal, IT and Marketing professionals who work with me daily and have become a big part of my business and personal life and are one of the biggest sources of enjoyment and satisfaction in the business. I also participate in several formal and informal industry and business groups from my local circle of friends and competitors who are always there for each other.
The formal groups include:
- Home Care CEO Forum
- NYS Association of Health Care Providers (NYS HCP)
- Home Care Association of America (HCAOA)
- Independent Home Care Alliance
- Mamaroneck Chamber of Commerce
- Business Council of Westchester
- Vistage
- BNI Soundshore
While I often feel stretched, I have learned so much being a part of these groups and I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to each of these groups in some way. This past week, I was thrilled to be part of a panel alongside other Home Care CEOs for a HCAOA series “Home Care Leaders On the Front Line: Caring for COVID in 2020 & Beyond: Part 2 – Caring for Clients with COVID.” (Signing up allows immediate access to the video)
Click to View Presentation
I was able to assist several NYS HCP procure much needed hand sanitizer from the County. I was extremely happy to contribute to the Mamaroneck Chamber’s efforts to assist Heroes on the front line and now myself and several team members have these Thank You signs gracing our yards.
I also must thank my partner in life, Lisa for keeping me fed really well during this anxious time and is solely responsible for the “pandemic 10 pounds” I have gained. LOL!
STAY SAFE. STAY HEALTHY. STAY HOME.
Westchester Family Care Inc. assists people of all ages, by customizing home care plans to maintain a healthy quality of life and safety at home.
Contact WFC for an immediate family need or when planning for future needs:
info@westfamilycare.com, 914-764-7500, www.westchesterfamilycare.com.
Westchester Family Care Provides Peace of Mind and Confidence that the Elderly Are Safe and Living with Dignity in Their Own Home.