Linda, a longtime Homecare Choices client, has simple needs. A caregiver picks her up twice a week, takes her to dialysis, brings her home, makes lunch, and stays for a few hours to provide assistance and companionship.
Helping her out of bed and doing shopping when needed are among the caregiving tasks, which tend to focus on transporting Linda to doctor’s appointments, or to her home in Mashpee, Mass., after a hospital visit.
“Anything I ask them to do, they do,” says Linda, currently in rehab and unable to walk but determined to become independent at home once again and get back to doing her own errands, such as picking up prescriptions.
It will be a journey, but Linda’s hopefulness and confidence come from knowing how much she can count on Homecare Choices and Executive Director Peter Carey.
Being there for Linda goes beyond her scheduled visits.
If she needs a ride when one of her usual caregivers is tied up or on a different day, Peter sends Homecare Choices’ Director of Care Coordination Britt Skinner—or goes himself.
“He always provides me with what I need,” Linda says. “He has never let me down.”
Neither have the caregivers who assist Linda. “They all have great skills,” Linda says. “I like them all.”
Not only great skills but great compassion and commitment. The week before Thanksgiving, one of Linda’s caregivers, Melissa, dropped by one evening and cooked a turkey dinner.
“That’s what I mean when I say they’re all wonderful,” explains Linda, crediting Melissa with being the best cook among her caregivers.
Melissa also agreed to stay overnight once to drive Linda to Boston Logan International Airport at 3 a.m. for a flight to visit her son in California. “She was nervous about going to Logan but did it anyway,” Linda says with gratitude for Melissa’s extra effort.
Experiences like that reassure Linda that when she returns home from rehab, Homecare Choices will do whatever it takes to make sure she’s safe, comfortable, and in good spirits—as well as on time for all of her appointments.
“Peter will come himself if no one else can come. I’ve always, always been able to rely on him,” Linda says.
Potential clients who want to learn more about Homecare Choices and its services may reach out to Executive Director Peter Carey by phone at 508-313-2529, or by email at petercarey@homecarechoices.com. There’s also a contact form on the website and free consultations are offered.