GA!: Roy, we always have to ask where you are from, where did you go to school, etc.?
Roy: I graduated from Terry Sanford High School in Fayetteville, wher
e I met Dona, my wife to be. I then graduated from East Carolina University in ‘87 with a degree in Business and concentration in Marketing. My wife, Dona, and I have been married for 22 years and have four wonderful daughters, 20, 16, 13, and 10. We have two dogs, which are boys, thank goodness.
e I met Dona, my wife to be. I then graduated from East Carolina University in ‘87 with a degree in Business and concentration in Marketing. My wife, Dona, and I have been married for 22 years and have four wonderful daughters, 20, 16, 13, and 10. We have two dogs, which are boys, thank goodness.GA!: Tell us how your business started…and why?
Roy: We had trouble finding help for Dona’s father, who suffered from a stroke many years ago. Her mother was the primary caregiver and it took a toll on her after years of caring for him at home. We wanted to make sure we could provide an option for people in our situation to enable them to keep their loved ones at home, around things they know and love, while receiving care from loving and compassionate people. We are Christian owned and it is more than a business—it’s a ministry.
GA! What does Home Instead Senior Care do and what services do you provide?
Roy: Ultimately, we help people stay as independent as possible. Each situation is different. We meet with families and listen to what they are going through and provide assistance where needed. We have over 80 careg
ivers currently working for us that help the senior and his or her family with a variety of things. It may be just companionship, fixing meals, taking them to doctors’ appointments, buying groceries, helping them with a bath–whatever may be needed for them to maintain as much independence as possible. We work in conjunction with the families or loved ones in providing care. Also, if they need medical care or other services, we get them in touch with those available resources in the community. I am a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), so I am familiar with many of the programs and services available that are outside Home Instead’s scope of care.
ivers currently working for us that help the senior and his or her family with a variety of things. It may be just companionship, fixing meals, taking them to doctors’ appointments, buying groceries, helping them with a bath–whatever may be needed for them to maintain as much independence as possible. We work in conjunction with the families or loved ones in providing care. Also, if they need medical care or other services, we get them in touch with those available resources in the community. I am a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA), so I am familiar with many of the programs and services available that are outside Home Instead’s scope of care.GA! Do you have a typical client?
Roy: No, everyone’s needs are different. Some clients just need help a few days a week for a few hours at a time, while others might require around-the-clock care. We can provide both, customizing the plan to meet the client’s needs.
GA! What is the most rewarding thing about your job?
Roy: We feel really good about the services we offer to keep seniors at home. Without a doubt, it is being able to see the difference the caregiver makes in the life of the client and their family. As our loved ones age and their needs increase, they may feel like a burden to their family, and the family may experience guilt because they can’t spend as much quality time with them as they would like to. It is exciting to know that my wife and I have been blessed with an opportunity through this business to be able to make such an impact in the lives of others. It is a responsibility that we take very seriously as we try to help families.
GA! Is there a difference in private pay and Medicare/ Medicaid as far as services that you provide?
Roy: Unfortunately, Medicare doesn’t pay for this type of care. Most pay privately, but there is assistance through Medicaid, VA, Long Term Care Insurance and DSS. As a Certified Senior Advisor, I advise people to look into Long Term Care Insurance to maximize their future care options.
GA! Why should a consumer choose you over similar companies?
Roy: Because, Home Instead Senior Care specializes in seniors. Personally, when I’m dealing with a company, especially for a service, I appreciate dealing with local companies, where the owners are involved, accessible, and passionate about what they do. For Dona an
d myself, what we do is personal, based on our experience with her parents. We are locally owned and operated, working in the business daily to provide the best experience for those looking for help. We understand what people are going through with their parents and loved ones, because we have been there. We are very particular about the people we hire and have a wonderful staff available to assist whenever someone stops by or calls. Also, because customer service is so important to us, we partner with JD Power & Associates by getting feedback from our employees and our clients on the satisfaction of our company and how we can improve.
d myself, what we do is personal, based on our experience with her parents. We are locally owned and operated, working in the business daily to provide the best experience for those looking for help. We understand what people are going through with their parents and loved ones, because we have been there. We are very particular about the people we hire and have a wonderful staff available to assist whenever someone stops by or calls. Also, because customer service is so important to us, we partner with JD Power & Associates by getting feedback from our employees and our clients on the satisfaction of our company and how we can improve.GA!: What do you do in your downtime? Do you have any hobbies?
Roy: We have four daughters, so we are very busy in their lives with school and all the activities. I love to play golf, spend time with friends, and whatever my wife (and love of my live for over 26 years) wants to do.
GA! What would people be most surprised to learn about your business?
Roy: People are surprised that we are able to respond as quickly as we do. We have had urgent situations, where we have been able to provide a caregiver in a matter of hours. Again, striving to exceed expectations is what we want to accomplish.
GA! What is the most important thing people need to keep in mind when choosing a home care company?
Roy: Look for companies that are licensed by the state, where their employees are bonded, insured, trained, drug tested and background tested, and finally, that they truly have a heart for this type of work.
