This article was originally featured in BizWest July 2016
“Just when the Caterpillar thought that life was over, she became a butterfly.” (anonymous)
We all look forward to retirement; living the life we dreamed. Unfortunately, our bodies often do not keep pace with our desires. Aging is inevitable; yet we do not plan for what may or could happen when we are in our eighties and nineties – or even sooner. When the unexpected does happen, it is reassuring that Seniors Helping Seniors can assist with knowledgeable, well-trained, peer care providers to assist families and individuals with most any task.
The Seniors Helping Seniors franchise has grown to over 275 agencies throughout the U.S. and in England, Australia and India. And it continues to grow. The concept of using “seasoned” employees who understand the challenges of aging, matching the care provider with the client’s background and insuring the delivery of quality services all lead to this rapid growth.
The Larimer County agency has been in business for more than 6 years and continues to develop the experience and knowledge to insure quality services. Owner, Linda Gabel, has grown the franchise from a small home-based business to a professionally managed operation. The agency insures that all providers are well-trained on assisting with clients’ needs, including additional training on dementia care and communication, and use of assistive devices. SHS and its employees are fully licensed, bonded and insured.
Currently offering services as a Class B non-medical licensed agency of the State of Colorado, the agency is in process of being certified for home health care and Medicaid (scheduled for August 4, 2016). SHS also offers care coordination and assists many of its clients’ with planning for all care needs of their loved one. The overall goal of the agency is to provide “one-stop shopping” for families and individuals who are suddenly overwhelmed with caring for a loved one. Office staff is trained and continues to train in many aspects of senior care. Additionally, SHS has RNs on staff to assess potential or necessary needs of the individual and, with new certifications, will also provide any health care services.
Just as the quote above, SHS helps to give loved ones the quality life of a “butterfly” for their entire time here on earth, living as independently as possible for as long as possible.
In addition to overseeing the business, Linda is active in the Fort Collins community. She has served on many boards including: Fort Collins Senior Advisory Board, currently President of the Poudre River Library Board of Trustees, is a Certified Senior Advisor, volunteers with Elder Care Network’s Senior Law Day, served as a community member for Budgeting for Outcomes team with the City of Fort Collins. The business is recognized as a “Leader in Dementia Care” agency by the Alzheimer’s Association and is a member of the Better Business Bureau.