In Conversation with Esther Iwunze to Bring Her Insights on Skillfully Running a Home Care Business

In home care, success hinges on a delicate dance between empathy and execution. You’re not just running a business, you’re providing a lifeline to folks who need a kind hand and a patient ear.

Matching the right caregiver to each client’s personality and needs is the cornerstone of everything. This means meticulous screening, in-depth interviews, and making sure you crystallize what each client requires.

But a well-oiled operation is just as crucial. Scheduling has to be like clockwork, with caregivers arriving on time and fully prepped. Payroll, billing, and staying on the right side of regulations – all that needs a steady hand.

Technology’s our secret weapon here, keeping schedules smooth, communication flowing, and records organized. The bottom line? Running a home care business that shines is all about building trust.

Trust with the clients who rely on our care, the caregivers who are the backbone of our service, and the families who just want peace of mind. That’s the magic formula.

To shed some light on the same, we interviewed an industry expert to bring her perspective on skillfully running a home care business.

Let us now delve into what she has to say about skillfully running a home care business:

Question 1. What motivated your decision to start your career in the home care industry?

As a nurse with over 19 years of experience specializing in geriatric care, I frequently encountered patients struggling with disabilities and functional impairments. Many of them felt isolated and depressed, longing for companionship but reluctant to live in a nursing home.

Recognizing this need for compassionate, personalized care, I left my traditional nursing job to embark on a new path as an entrepreneur. Together with my husband and business partner, we established “Yes to Home Care,” an in-home care agency dedicated to providing solutions for the multifaceted challenges seniors face.

We are deeply committed to offering affordable care that addresses physical, mental, and emotional needs. At Yes to Home Care, we go above and beyond in hiring and training our caregivers, including specialized dementia care, to ensure our clients receive the highest quality support.

Question 2. What are the major challenges for your home care agency in your state/city?

Caregiver turnover: This is a significant industry-wide challenge. Research points to several contributing factors-

• Low wages: Home care often has lower pay than other healthcare sectors, leading to high turnover. Our focus is not only on private pay clients.
• Burnout: Demanding work and emotional toll can lead caregivers to seek alternative employment.
• Medicaid reimbursement rates: Many home care agencies face challenges with low Medicaid reimbursement rates. This can make it difficult to provide high-quality care while remaining financially sustainable.

Question 3. What are the technologies that you are relying on?

We use RingCentral. It helps us manage communication across the board with clients, employees, families.

Question 4. What is the key change you would make to the home care or senior care regulations in your agency’s location if given the opportunity?

Increased Medicaid reimbursement rates: Research consistently shows that inadequate Medicaid reimbursement is a major obstacle for home care agencies. Advocating for increased rates would make it easier to offer competitive wages, invest in caregiver training, and provide higher quality care.

Question 5. How do you handle emergencies or unexpected situations while providing care to clients?

• Caregiver training: Ensuring caregivers receive comprehensive training in handling emergencies, including first aid, CPR, and de-escalation techniques, is crucial.
• Communication protocols: Establish clear protocols for communicating with clients, families, and emergency services in case of unexpected events. This might involve designated staff members for handling such situations or using technology for quick alerts.
• Preparedness kits: Having emergency preparedness kits available at clients’ homes can help address immediate needs and potentially reduce the need for ambulance transport in non-critical situations.

Question 6. Can you discuss any community partnerships or collaborations your agency has formed to enhance your services?

We have successfully created a strong network of partnerships, demonstrating a proactive approach to building community support and positioned as a resource.

• Senior expo: This innovative initiative has established Yes to Home Care as a trusted resource in the community.
• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Partnering with the VA to educate veterans about home care benefits demonstrates a commitment to serving a specific demographic.
• Health and Human Services Foster Grandparents Program: Collaborating with this program provides access to valuable resources and has helped expand our client base.
• Partnership with diabetes care professionals: This partnership provides specialized care and education for clients with diabetes, showcasing Yes to Home Care’s ability to adapt to diverse needs.

Conclusion

Esther Iwunze emphasizes the importance of empathy, efficiency, and trust in skillfully running a home care business. Recognizing clients’ emotional and social needs, maintaining a well-structured operation, and building trust with clients, caregivers, and families are key.

The interview explores challenges in the industry, such as caregiver turnover and Medicaid reimbursement issues, and highlights the role of technology.

Esther also discusses the significance of community partnerships and emergency preparedness. Her practical advice and real-world examples provide a comprehensive view of the home care business.