Health Connection: In-home Care

Hope Joyce was living in Darnestown and working as a hair stylist when she decided to join her parents in their new business venture, providing residential care to the elderly and home-bound.

The idea came when Joyce’s grandmother became ill, and options for her care were limited.

“It just seemed like there was nowhere to go outside of a nursing home,” said Joyce, “and she didn’t need that level of care.”

In 1987, Warman Home Care was begun to bridge the gap between home and nursing home by providing certified nursing assistants to seniors and home-bound patients so they can continue living in their own home.  

Home health, non-medical assistance includes helping with everyday activities like bathing and grooming, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, laundry services, shopping and errands.

And, sometimes, it means providing companionship. “Many of our clients live with little ailments,” said Joyce, “and they need someone to just be there.”

With the high costs of health care and a sputtering economy, in-home assistance gives families an affordable alternative to assisted living and nursing homes.

“We are a ‘sandwich generation’ caring for both kids and parents, and many people can’t afford some of the options out there,” Joyce said. Families get some financial relief, as well as peace of mind, knowing that mom and dad are cared for in the comfort of their own home.

Joyce says that her work is all about “building and preserving long term relationships” not only with the clients, but with their families, as well.

Taking care of elderly parents can be emotionally challenging for a family and “it is good to have a third party involved,” said Joyce. At other times, she finds that home care providers are just stepping in like family and “doing what a daughter would do.”   

Managing her family’s business, which over the years has expanded to serve areas outside of Maryland including Virginia and Philadelphia, must seem like a far cry from styling hair.