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"We don’t just go in and perform the required tasks; our Caregivers get to know our clients, and we try our best to make a positive difference in their lives." - Julia Anders, Director of Client Care
Julia quickly learned the importance of the love and the care she and her caregivers provide. “One of my first clients started crying when I visited her,” Julia recalls. “She and her son, who has muscular dystrophy, were living in a small apartment on less than $800 a month income. She could only afford two hours of care every other week. I paid so she could have care every week, and we helped her with her housekeeping, grocery shopping and transportation. I remember that when I walked out of her apartment that day, I recognized that this business was going to be a ministry, as well.” While Comfort Keepers didn’t charge for some of its services, Julia says that she got so much back from the client because she would encourage her and pray for her and for the business.
“There have been many families that we have helped over the years, each with their own story and situation,” she says. “It is such an honor and a privilege to care for our clients. It is also a huge responsibility; one that we do not take lightly.” Comfort Keepers works with several hospice agencies and provides services through the Veterans Administration and Aging and In-home Services. The Anders conduct a national criminal background check on each of their employees, even though it is not required by their state licensing. Comfort Keepers caregivers cannot have a criminal record. They are also bonded and insured. “We have wonderful caregivers; we hire caregivers who are genuinely kind and loving,” Julia says. “Many of our caregivers are older ladies who have more in common with our clients because they have raised families and have children and grandchildren.” While the Mark Twain quote is a favorite, Julia is quick to point out that more is needed to effectively start a business.
“I was smart enough to know that I needed people to work alongside me who would share my goals and vision and who have a heart for seniors,” Julia says. “I opened in September of 2001 and hired Linda Smith and Rosanne Klaehn as caregivers the next month, and they have been with me ever since. Both Rosanne and Linda were promoted to office positions. Rosanne worked as the scheduler and now is semi-retired and back working as a caregiver part time. Linda works full time in the office. Among her many duties, she is the assistant to the president, which is me. Actually, I call her the Director of First Impressions. She answers the phone and she’s at the front desk, so she’s the first one you see if you come to our office.”
Matt left his job five years ago to join Julia full time in the business.
“He has played a huge part in our success and our clients love him,” Julia says.
”Another addition to the Comfort Keepers Family are Beau and Bella, the Anders’s dogs, who are with them at the office every day.
“They are our Directors of Morale,” says Julia.