A HELPING HAND BRADENTON --- Home Instead Senior Care is helping seniors with everything from companionship to housekeeping in Manatee County. Dr. G. Marshall Webster and his wife, Lisa Herlache, are the owners and operators of the first office in the area. Home Instead, which has more than 450 franchises in 46 states, provides non-medical services to seniors. "Our caregivers can help you with everything you need to sustain a normal and active life," Herlache said. Home Instead's purpose is to help seniors stay as independent as possible. "We are there to help, whether it's having a conversation with them or helping them with a crossword puzzle," Herlache said. "We don't want people to give up the things that they enjoy doing." The company has about 15 clients, including a few in local nursing centers. Home Instead is always in the process of hiring potential caregivers. "We screen, interview and hire new caregivers after they pass a heavy screening process," Herlache said. The company asks for six references and does an extensive criminal background check. The caregivers range in age from 40 to 72. "By having more mature caregivers, the seniors relate to them," Webster said. "We have one client who just likes to swap war stories to pass the time." Visits with clients can last from three hours to 24 hours a day, depending on the type of care the client requests. Read more |
