I found Daniel Care after learning that my elderly mother was coming to live with me and needed…read moreround the clock care. First - I work in health care. Second, at the outset of my career I learned my most valuable lesson - "always do what's best for the patient and you will never go wrong." Over the years I had the same message grilled into me - "it is all about the patient." When I, family members or friends are receiving healthcare, I watch and listen. To me, a healthcare worker's words and actions are telling, a strong indicator of whether for them it's all about the patient or completing the task to move on.
When I started looking for an agency to provide care for my mother I already had a wonderful woman, Ms. A, who has worked beautifully with my mother for years. She agreed to cover 4 days out of the week, but I needed someone for the other three days. After calling and interviewing many agencies and listening to their sales pitch, I kept talking and learned a lot. One agency manager insisted that Ms. A., who works for another agency, quit and switch over to their agency. I explained that Ms. A. had high ethical values and would not consent. Also, I added that it would be dishonest to steal her away from her current employer. The manager refused to relent, adding "tell her I'll pay her more." The more I conversed I soon realized that our conversation was nothing more than a business transaction, a negotiation and had nothing to do with caring for my mother.
DanielCare had 5 stars, plus several friends had recommended them so I decided to give them a try. I called Daniel and we spoke at length. I told him of the stress of the upcoming life-changing experience for both my mom and myself. He was empathetic and reassuring and told me we would work together to care for her needs. Daniel and his Care Coordinator, Marinice Paul came out to meet my mom, Ms. A and myself. Daniel and Marinice walked in and they began to watch, observe and ask questions. I was impressed. Daniel observed and commented on the the love, courage, patience and tenderness with which Ms. A cares for my mother. He then stopped, pulled her aside and showered her with praise and thanks. He did not slip her his card and try to steal her away. Nor did he attempt to undermine what she was doing and say that DanielCare could do better. He pumped her up, encouraged, lauded and praised her. I watched Daniel and thought "[w]ith DanielCare - it's all about the patient"!
When you look for a homecare agency, remember you need someone will care for your family member with tenderness and compassion. If you can't be there or do everything on your own, having the right person in your home is priceless and will give you peace of mind. You need an agency that prioritizes choosing the right person to come into your home to care for your loved one. Many of the agencies I called said "[s]ure, sure we can get somebody in there." Daniel was different. He spent time exploring, talking, and observing. He took the time to find out my mother's needs - what is important for my mother and for me. That is why I chose Daniel care.
Working in health care today people are ready to complain about small things that are simply an inconvenience. Whether we work in healthcare or not, Covid has taught us all a valuable lesson - ask yourself what is really important. Thank God for each day of life, because tomorrow is not promised, and thank the wonderful, courageous caregivers that come into your home. If you are at a restaurant ordering a hamburger or a steak dinner and are upset because your meat is medium rare instead of well done, you can chastise the waiter, and send the food back. Or you can leave, vowing never to return as the thought of pink meat remains forever seared in your brain. But if you are looking for the right person, the right agency to care for your precious mother or father, look for yourself an agency for whom it is all about the patient - then pick up the phone and call DanielCare. I promise - you won't regret it.
