Ethel Adeline is my cute, adorable mother-in-law. She recently traveled to Hilton Head for the destination wedding of her oldest granddaughter. As an 87 year old she does not travel much out of her 60 mile home circumference these days. My husband and his siblings, two sisters, were excited for her to agree to go to Hilton Head. The sisters planned the travel arrangements for Ethel Adeline. Their attention to detail and concern for their mother’s comfort made her travel successful. We arrived in Hilton Head on schedule without incidents.
The first evening we had a casual family dinner provided by the Mother of the Bride, the oldest sister/Registered Nurse. Ethel Adeline smiled the entire four day event and never complained. The young adult grandchildren doted on her as well as others at our resort. She graciously accepted our respect for her needs. Her adult children, the three siblings, shared responsibility for her through their individual voluntary assignments. The beach wedding was beautifully peaceful and romantic. When I retuned back to the realty of providing home care in Fort Wayne, the importance of details is a priority as we assist our Angel Corps’ clients and families with planning and implementing travel plans for their loved one. We encourage you to share your experiences with Angel Corps, home care, and traveling on our blog.
Ethel Adeline in the center with her youngest daughter (left) and me (right).
Dorian
Over the last five years, the healthcare companies owned by Dorian and Rick Maples have employed over 1,000 women. Most have worked part time, providing inhome care to older and disabled persons. As the businesses have grown, the need for supervisors and administrative staff has developed. Rather than search for outside experience, the companies have focused on promoting within their ranks.
Consequently, 14 of these women have full-time careers. Geraldine Westmoreland followed her clients to Home Nursing Services in 2003 when the home health agency she was working for ceased providing home care. Today she is the company's Human Resources Coordinator, the result of a promotion in 2007. "I was a Home Health Aide doing direct client care for almost 10 years. I loved taking care of each client. When the opportunity (for an office position) arose, I applied and got the job. It has been a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to many more years working at HNS," she says.
LaTonya Woolsey's opportunity arose out of a mishap. "I was working as a Home Health Aide for Home Nursing Services when I slipped on the ice on a client's driveway," she says. "I broke my ankle. During my recovery, I was asked to come into the office to help out. I hobbled around the office filing paperwork. Angel Corps needed an administrative assistant so I applied and got the job." That was 2005. Two years later, she was promoted to Client Services Coordinator. "I had been a caregiver for over twenty years.
This position has made me very knowledgeable of the needs of our clients. I am very thankful to be a part of such a motivated, focused team dedicated to a high quality of care." Johanna Barrera began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant for First Call Medical Staffing in 2006 at the age of 21. "It was a temp job while I was going to school for a degree in Business Management. When Latonya got promoted, I applied for her job. Angel Corps has allowed me to show my potential and continue to look forward to being with a growing company," she says. Teresa Grear had been the manager in a fast food restaurant when a life changing event inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare.
She suffered a gunshot wound in a robbery attempt. She joined Home Nursing Services as a part time Home Health Aide in 2000. In 2004, she applied for an open position in the company's office. "I was a single parent and needed a regular paycheck." She has been the company's Client Services Coordinator since. "I love the challenge of matching the clients and caregivers. It's like solving a puzzle." As far as getting brought in from "the field," she says "It sets an example for other employees.
They see one of us and know that they may get a similar opportunity someday. It keeps them motivated." Katie Eber joined the Fort Wayne office in 2005 as a part time Billing Coordinator. "I was a Nursing student at IPFW. Eventually I transferred to St. Francis and switched to Communications." A need for a Marketing Director arose, and based on the impression she had made being involved in various events in the community, she was recruited for the position. "I have found my passion. I am extremely grateful to Rick and Dorian their patience and confidence in me by, not only promoting me, but creating a delightful position within their astonishing companies. Melissa Quinn was working at a local assisted living facility in 2006 when Angel Corps hired her to a Client Services Supervisor position in the Fort Wayne office.
Today, she is the Director of the company's Bluffton office, the result of a promotion in 2008. "Words cannot express how good it feels to be able to better yourself and your career path in an organization that you are not only involved with, but are dedicated to their mission," says Quinn. Ruth Force was employed as a Social Worker with a nursing home in Auburn. In 2004-5, she served with Dorian Maples on the Board of Directors of the Alzheimer's Association. As Angel Corps' business in the northern counties continued to develop, the company needed someone to do supervisory visits in the area. Dorian offered Ruth a part time position. Ruth started working out of her home part time, then fulltime, then opened Angel Corps' first branch office. In addition to managing the Auburn office, Ruth is now a Geriatric Care Manager with Dorian Maples & Associates. "I was mentored by the best - Dorian Maples and Marcia Steigerwald. I love my job."
Dorian Maples says there are hidden benefits to hiring within. "We are so blessed to employ these amazing women. We have learned that the first place to look for candidates is in house. Not only are we able to offer employees opportunities for growth, our clients and other caregivers benefit. When they call the office, chances are the phone will be answered by someone who has been in their situation. Also, as caregivers are promoted, it opens up opportunities for new staff to fill their shoes."
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