More than 11 percent of Indianapolis residents are 65 years or older. To put this figure into perspective, 86,415 residents are senior citizens. In comparison, this number alone is larger than the total population of some cities. With this growing demographic also comes a growing concern for the elderly and their loved ones.
As health starts to deteriorate, families find themselves struggling with the idea of nursing home placement or moving the family member into their own home.
According to Ron May, president and principal owner and John Olson, principal owner of BrightStar Healthcare in Indianapolis, say many overlook home health care.
“Each of us has had our own experiences. My grandma Ruby at 94 years young has Alzheimer’s and like most families we never considered home care,” May said.
These experiences along with more than 20 years of health care knowledge between both May and Olson, led this duo to start a franchise in the Indianapolis area of BrightStar Healthcare, which is based in Chicago.
This full-service health care agency provides medical and non-medical home care to private clients and supplemental health care to its corporate client base.
Serving Hamilton, Marion, Boone and Hendricks counties for more than a year, BrightStar is more than just a home health care service. Susane Trapp, a client whose mother receives care from BrightStar, says the firm’s passion and dedication for the community from its caregivers stand out.
“We knew she needed extra care we couldn’t provide and BrightStar seemed like the perfect fit,” Trapp said after researching several home health care facilities. “Things are going great, and they go well and beyond in comparison to what normal companies may offer.”
BrightStar recently received state recognition upon its receipt of the Indiana State Minority Certification, which allows it equal opportunity to participate in the state’s contracting process while making them eligible for other opportunities.
“Given that I am an African-American, we wanted to make sure that other state organizations and departments knew about BrightStar as well as the general private sector,” May said.
All BrightStar Healthcare employees are state certified and duties vary per client from assisting with such linen changes, meal preparation, bathing to reading periodicals. Elizabeth Kistner, certified nurse assistant registered home health aid for BrightStar, says this is the most rewarding experience she has ever had.
“The desire to help others led me to this career, and BrightStar does just that. It’s not just about health care, it’s about personal care and building relationships,” Kistner said.
These rapport-building skills are exactly what May says is needed prior to BrightStar providing services for its clients. He stresses the importance of families feeling comfortable that the staff is personable and competent to adequately care for and provide a safe comfortable environment for their loved ones.
“Home health care is something that can provide a lot of comfort and a peace of mind for families,” May said.
For more information about BrightStar Healthcare services call (317) 706-0799.
