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Northeast Kingdom Homecare Celebrates 1st Full Year of Service
Company now employs over 20 people in Northeast Kingdom
NEWPORT – In less than a year, Northeast Kingdom Homecare, Inc. has grown from an idea to an active service with over 20 employees. NEKHC helps seniors stay in their homes by providing in-house assistance and companionship.
In January, 2004, with a referral from the Area Office on Aging, NEKHC recruited staff for its first client. It has since provided assistance to several dozen people, including individuals needing 24-hour round-the-clock assistance.
“Our clients are finding that as little as three hours a week can make a difference, helping with shopping or transportation to a doctor’s appointment, “ says Pam Newell, President and Senior Care Manager. “What is encouraging is that many of our clients will start with just a few hours, and then find that the help makes such a difference that they ask for more time.”
NEKHC has earned a reputation for fast response, and that has led to referrals from other agencies and healthcare providers. The Area Offices on Aging in Newport and St. Johnsbury have been especially supportive.
“We may get a call from a social worker or family member when they get word an aging parent is about to be released from the hospital,” says Newell. NEKHC can usually get assistance with just a few hours notice. While nearly two thirds of the NEKHC caregivers are working fulltime, there are several who remain flexible for coverage and short-term assignments.
The appreciation of NEKHC clients was recently demonstrated when the family of Charles Horvath established a memorial fund at the company. Funds are to be used to reimburse caregivers to assist them in providing special experiences for senior clients – meals out, small gifts, flowers. These activities help promote a bond of friendship between the caregivers and their clients.
For seniors needing care, NEKHC has made the process easy. By contracting with NEKHC, seniors avoid the employment and tax implications of direct employment. The company manages tax withholding and reporting that would otherwise fall to the client. Furthermore, NEKHC provides insurance and bonding, manages all recruiting, scheduling, and overall job performance. NEKHC services range from $12.50 to $16.00 per hour, depending on the amount of time scheduled.
NEKHC has had to develop procedures to cope with its growth. It uses computer software to assist in scheduling and tracking where all caregivers are assigned. A website includes a form that caregivers can use to report their weekly hours and a job-application form that is submitted via the Internet. The company continues to formalize its recruiting process. All employees are covered by worker’s compensation insurance. Caregivers are eligible to participate in a company retirement plan. Each caregiver has to provide copies of driver’s licenses and proof of automobile insurance coverage.
Beginning in January, Debra Hunt, a co-founder of the company, will begin to provide administrative support to help manage and continue the company’s phenomenal growth. The company has been supported by Pat Hunt, Inc. which provides office space, payroll and bookkeeping, and administrative support,
For additional information on NEKHC, including employment opportunities, visit the website, www.nekhc.com, or contact the company at: NEKHC, 375 E Main Street, Newport, VT 05855 or call (802) 334-7683.