April 2022

A Locally Produced Newsletter

Message from the Office

We're taking the office on the road! Exciting news- we have packed up our office and purchased a van to be our mobile office! Liah, Emalee, Elena and I will all have a work station in the van and take turns driving around to see clients while the other three work. This will allow us to see our clients more regularly and we can interview candidates from anywhere in Santa Barbara County. That's right, the interview will go to the candidate!

We are so excited to spruce up the van and make it our own. We already learned how to work from home during the pandemic, so we are confident that we can learn how to work from a van! No other in home care agency is doing this yet but we think it will be common in the future. 

If you see us around town be sure to honk and wave!

Beep beep!

Shannon, Liah, Elena, Emalee and Mike 

Scheduling

A quick reminder that all scheduling calls are routed through our Scheduling Coordinator Elena Arguello. Liah will continue to be in touch with clients, families, and caregivers regarding any changes in overall care. We think this change has helped streamline communication and hope you agree!

Did We Fool You?

April Fools - we are not going to be working out of a van! While that would provide for a lot of adventure, we will continue to operate from our State St. office. It's already cozy enough in here as it is!

Be careful out there today and don't let anyone (else) fool you! 

Caregiver of the Month - Congratulations to

Julie Dupak

Julie is our April Caregiver of the Month because she continues to live our philosophy of doing what is best for our clients. Julie has a tendency to say yes to cover a shift one time, and then keep going back! Once she meets a client she becomes invested in their wellbeing and continues to say yes when we ask her to go back. She is very gracious with her time and it is no surprise clients ask for her as much as possible.

Julie has worked with over 40 Senior Helpers clients and has been well received by every single one of them. She has a pragmatic yet comforting approach that draws out the best in people and makes her a wonderful caregiver. She is a member of the 10 Year club, having been hired in November 2011.

Currently, Julie continues her morning shifts with Christine Gilmour. The pair takes a two mile morning walk and Julie cooks amazing meals for Mrs. Gilmour to enjoy throughout the week. Julie will be taking some time off this summer when she returns to her home country of Germany and works as an OBGYN in Hospital. She is very excited to take her youngest daughter Nela with her this summer. They both look forward to vising with Julie's eldest daughter and new Grandson while they are there! It will be a toss up who misses Julie more while she is gone, her husband, Mrs. Gilmour, or those of us in the office! 

 As Caregiver of the Month Julie receives a $50 gift card. If you would like to nominate someone for Caregiver of the Month please email Shannon at sworkman@seniorhelpers.com. 

Welcome New Caregivers 

Say hello to the newest faces of Senior Helpers! 

Saira began caregiving after helping her grandparents in their donut shop and she realized how much she enjoyed their senior customers. She is outgoing, naturally caring, and loves   

to learn new things. Welcome to the team Saira! 

Sally is a former caregiver with us! Sally took some time away from us during the pandemic, but she has made her return and we are excited to have her back. Sally is very outgoing and truly enjoys working with seniors, helping however she can. 

Learn that Lingo

Each month we feature a term that is commonly used in senior care. 

Home HEALTH Care Agency vs Home Care Agency

The word health makes a big difference here.  A Home Health Care agency provides medical care, while a Home Care Agency provides nonmedical care. Senior Helpers is a Home Care Agency. The main Home Health Care Agencies in town are Visiting Nurses, Central Coast, and Assisted Home Health.

Home Health Care

Home Health Care agencies send nurses, social workers, physical therapists, and other licensed clinicians to visit a patient in their home. A doctor needs to put in an order for these visits and they are covered by insurance. They are ordered to address a specific concern and generally only last for a short period of time. 

Home Care

A Home Care agency employs caregivers who can help with a wide range of activities. Caregivers can assist with hands on personal care, as well as help around the house with cooking and cleaning. Medical insurance will not cover the cost of using a Home Care Agency, but a Long Term Care Insurance policy will. Many people simply pay out of pocket.

Coronavirus Updates

Booster Shots Required

All caregivers must receive a booster dose for COVID-19 when eligible. For more details, read the Notice from the CA Health and Human Services Agency here.

Mask Requirement

Santa Barbara County lifted its mask mandate for vaccinated individuals as of February 16th. Masks are still required at facilities. While we still strongly encourage caregivers and clients to wear masks when within 6 feet of each other, there is now an option to go without a mask if both the client and caregiver are comfortable with that decision. Caregivers are to continue to wear a mask until you are told it is OK to remove. Clients may reach out to Shannon at sworkman@seniorhelpers.com, or by replying to this email, if you would like to request your caregiver stop or continue to mask. 

You can read more about the mask mandate at the CDPH website here.

Beatrice Hernandez - 1 year

Liah Ramirez - 7 years 

Yvonne Debuhr - 1 year 

Dorie Prulitsky - 4 years 

Gabby Lozano - 8 years

Thank you for being part of our team!

Alex Biasini, 4/9

Noemi Villegas, 4/12

Saira Agundez, 4/12

Frances Hale, 4/15

Gustavo Vazquez, 4/17

Liz Gregory, 4/17

Debbie Fox, 4/24

Julie Dupak, 4/28

May all your wishes come true!