Fulfilling a need that allows seniors to remain at home where they wish is the goal of the newest business to branch out into Seneca County.
Care Companions of Tiffin,120 1/2 S. Washington St., Suite 207, is an expansion into the area market for a Mansfield-based company. The company has been providing non-medical, in-home services for seniors since 2004, said district Admissions and Marketing Director Pat Fisher.
"Providing in-home care for seniors, to keep them home, where they want to be," she said was the focus of the business.
Caring staff who go the extra mile for their clients is what makes Care Companions unique, she added.
"They always do special things, above and beyond the call of duty," Fisher said.
All employees must be state tested nurse aides; nursing care is not provided.
"We do non-skilled care," she said. "This is what we do, and we do it well. We enjoy our clients. Some never get to go out for lunch, or to church on Sunday, and we can do that for private pays. We do more than house cleaning."
Other areas where clients can receive assistance is with bathing, shopping, recreational activities, dressing, laundry, errands, grooming, meal preparation, doctor appointments and bathroom assistance.
"It's for seniors not able to drive anymore, but they still take their own meds, and can stay at home if they have a little help to stay at home," Fisher said. "It's where you and I are going to want to be. We want them to be happy and enjoying their lives."
Tiffin and Seneca County are among other expansion areas, including Portsmouth, Norwalk and Marion. The company now is open to clients in Tiffin, and is accepting applications from licensed STNAs. The private pay rate is $15 per hour for client care, which remains the set rate regardless of the time of day, or whether during the week or weekend.
Fisher explained the degree of extra care an individual receives from Care Companions.
"If they go to the grocery store, they will take them, help them shop for the groceries, and put them away for them once they get home," she said. "If they go clothes shopping, they will help them try them on, make sure they fit."
Most clients are eligible for Passport Care through the Area Agency on Aging. If a senior is a private-pay customer, who could take advantage of Passport services, Care Companions can help them connect with the agency.
A free consultation in the potential client's home is conducted before contracting with Care Companions. During the consultation, a personalized plan is developed to meet the client's needs.
"We come in and see what their needs are," Fisher said. "Someone may only need housekeeping, and they can pick and choose services they have a need for. And they don't have to be every week."
They also offer respite care for caregivers who may wish to go on vacation, have work to do or appointments to keep.
For a free consultation, call (419) 443-0308.
