Imagine needing assistance, but not having it. There comes a point in all our lives when we are faced with the duty of having to care for a loved one, but for whatever reasons, we are not able to do so. Times like this can leave you feeling guilty, if you are unable to choose to care for your loved ones. And oftentimes if you do choose to take time off, it can put a strain on your time and finances.
For a very long time this has been a reality for many of us, as our parents get up in age and there are very few options for care. Most SZV-assisted care is for medical assistance and often not for longer than it takes to administer medication.
Enter Heart to Heart, a new company with a focus on assisted-living situations. The company is now open to serve all people looking for non-medical assistance for themselves and/or loved ones. We were able to speak to Richeline, the owner of Heart to Heart.
When you say non-medical, what do you mean?
“We assist persons with every-day activities, from cooking to companionship, personal care. If you take medication we can do medication reminders, but we do not handle any sort of administering of medication. No injections or anything.”
How did you come up with the concept?
“Well, my mother was sick; she was diagnosed with ALS and it was tough to find someone who could care for her and who had experience and knew what they were doing. Eventually I took a course to get certified in Personal Care and become an aide. Taking the course evolved into me creating a business of my own, since it is a common problem for people on St. Maarten. Of course, others asked me to do it as well.”
How long would you spend with the person?
“We offer a minimum of three hours a visit. We can go up to 8 or even 24 hours. In the future we plan to introduce a live-in situation.”
What do you offer in the three hours?
“It depends on the person’s needs. Whether it’s full care or just companionship, we handle it.”
How many people do you have on staff?
“We currently have a staff of two. There’s a list of qualified nursing assistant applicants, but because we are new, we will be adding staff as the demand increases.”
What if someone wanted to apply?
“Yes, as long as they have their certification, we will take their information and call them once there is more work to be done.”
Do you have a physical location?
“Not yet, but again, that will come in due time. However, since our focus is in-home care we focus more on coming to our clients.”
In the future will you be allowing people to drop off their family?
“No. The idea is to allow people to stay in their homes and be comfortable in their own space. Many of the people who need care are getting older and instead of uprooting them to unfamiliar spaces we come to them and help them live easier.”
Are there any limitations to who can get assistance?
“No, from the physically impaired to the mentally handicapped, there is no limit to who can get care.”
