Glen and Michelle Scharfeld are the dynamic duo behind Senior Helpers, a leading provider of in-home care services across the Nature Coast and Sun Coast areas. With over 13 years of dedicated service in the senior care industry, Glen leverages his extensive experience from a 20-year career in law enforcement to enhance the quality of life for seniors and veterans. He holds a Master of Science in Human Resources Management and plays a significant role in the Veteran Community Partnership coalition with the VA.
Michelle, with her robust background as a Legal Assistant and Judges Assistant, brings a wealth of legal expertise to Senior Helpers. Her deep understanding of healthcare regulations ensures that the business adheres to high standards of compliance and advocacy, providing clients with exceptional care and navigating complex Medicare and VA benefits with ease.
Together, Glen and Michelle have created a compassionate and innovative care model that emphasizes personalized service and community education. Their commitment extends beyond their professional lives into their personal lives, where they are raising two children inspired by their dedication to service. Their work with Senior Helpers not only transforms the lives of their clients but also sets a benchmark for quality and integrity in the senior care industry.
What inspired the initial concept behind Senior Helpers, and how has that vision evolved?
Glen: The concept came from witnessing first-hand the struggles that aging individuals and their families face. Originally, we wanted to just provide basic assistance but quickly saw the need for comprehensive, specialized care, particularly for those with chronic conditions or recovering from hospital stays. Our vision has expanded to include a broader range of services to support the mental, physical, and emotional well-being of our clients.
How does Senior Helpers stand out in the competitive field of senior care?
Michelle: We differentiate ourselves by our commitment to personalized care plans that truly reflect the individual needs of our clients. Our staff’s ongoing training in specialized care areas, like dementia and chronic illness management, ensures that we offer a higher standard of care. Plus, our legal and healthcare regulatory expertise allows us to navigate complex benefit systems for our clients, which many families find daunting.
Can you discuss a specific case where Senior Helpers made a significant impact on a client’s life?
Glen: Certainly. We had a client, a veteran with limited mobility and no immediate family, who was facing the prospect of moving to a nursing home. Our team not only provided the in-home care he needed to remain independent, but we also helped secure additional VA benefits that covered all his expenses. He was able to enjoy his life in the comfort of his home, which was his biggest wish.
What challenges do you face when working with insurance companies and Medicare?
Michelle: The biggest challenge is often the paperwork and the pace at which claims are processed. We advocate for our clients to ensure they receive the benefits they are entitled to in a timely manner. Educating families about what is and isn’t covered can also be complex, and we spend considerable time making sure they understand their options.
What strategies do you employ to maintain a high standard of care as your business scales up?
Glen: Quality control is essential. We conduct regular training sessions, performance reviews, and client satisfaction surveys to ensure our standards never slip. As we scale, we’re also implementing more robust technologies to streamline operations and improve communication across all levels of the organization.
How do you handle the emotional toll that senior care can place on your staff?
Michelle: It’s crucial to provide our staff with support, including access to counseling and stress management resources. We also encourage a team-based approach to care, so no one feels they are dealing with challenging situations alone.
What legislative changes would you like to see to improve senior care?
Michelle: Increased funding for home-based care programs and better Medicare coverage for in-home care services would be transformative. Legislation that supports training and fair wages for caregiving staff is also needed to ensure a sustainable workforce.
How has technology impacted your service delivery?
Glen: Technology has been a game-changer, especially in terms of remote health monitoring and management systems. It allows us to keep real-time tabs on clients’ health, reducing hospital readmissions and enabling proactive care.
What future trends in senior care are you preparing for?
Michelle: We are looking at integrating more AI-based tools to enhance our care capabilities. Additionally, as the population ages, we’re preparing for a surge in demand for our services, particularly in managing chronic diseases at home.
Lastly, what is the most rewarding part of your work?
Glen: The most rewarding aspect is knowing that we make a tangible difference in the lives of seniors and their families every day. Hearing a family member say that we’ve helped improve their loved one’s quality of life is profoundly fulfilling.