Read What Our At Home Health Care Professionals Are Saying In The Local Press
Our at home health care professionals share insight and information in the local press in Reading, Berks County and the surrounding PA areas
Founded locally in 2001, Comfort Keepers is committed to providing exceptional in-home care for Berks County Seniors. We focus on hiring, training, and retaining professional caregivers who provide personal care and companionship to seniors who prefer to live in the comfort of their own home. Our caregivers become an integral part of our client’s lives and deliver joy each time they visit.
Communication is the key to our continued success. We continually seek feedback from both clients and caregivers and incorporate their ideas into our daily operations. We also offer families 24/7 computer access to their loved one’s care notes and communication with our staff.
Critical Questions to Ask About Long-Term Care Insurance
By Wendy Kerschner of Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA (Feb 14th, 2021) -
There comes a point, sometimes accelerated by a health crisis, when a loved one needs extra help at home to maintain their safety and well-being. Their needs might include help preparing a nutritious meal, light housekeeping and transportation for errands and appointments, or they may require help with more intimate tasks like bathing, dressing and incontinence care.
The Reading Eagle Readers Choice Winner 2020
To Caregivers, Sometimes It Can Feel Like You're Drowning
By Wendy Kerschner of Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA (Jan 10, 2020) -
It was a beautiful day in Costa Rica. We had just arrived at our secluded beach destination on a Catamaran Sunset Cruise. The boat captain encouraged us to jump off the side of the boat into the Pacific Ocean and swim for shore. We were offered life jackets or “pool noodles” to assist our swim. Most took a “noodle” and the group swam for shore.
The waves were strong, but the desire to reach the beach lured us. As my family members and I celebrated our arrival on the beach, we heard a faint call for help. There was a young, athletic male struggling in the waves. He wasn’t swimming at all, just bobbing. Several people swam to him, including me and members of my family. We offered him our “noodles.” He gladly accepted and we safely got him to shore.
As I reflect on the situation, I think how much this scenario reminds me of adult children taking care of their aging parents.
Here Are Some Holiday Gift Ideas for Seniors on Your List
By Wendy Kerschner of Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA (Dec 13, 2020) - Buying just the right holiday gift for someone can be tough, let alone for a senior loved one. If you have a loved one living in a personal care or continuing care community, the pandemic has likely added a bit of angst to your gift giving this year.
Most Wait Too Long To Engage Hospice
By Wendy Kerschner of Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA (Nov 8, 2020) - When most people hear the word “hospice” they think someone has days to live. They might be right, but they might be wrong. One of the reasons the general public associates the word “hospice” with a short life span is because most patients and their families wait too long to engage services.
A Wink Confirms Dying Loved Ones Can Hear Us
By Wendy Kerschner of Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA (Oct 11, 2020) - I was in my late teens, likely nearing 20 years old when I had my first life experience watching someone go through the stages of dying.
Our Kids Don't Want Our Stuff
By Wendy Kerschner of Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA (Sep 13, 2020) - My 24-year-old son recently moved out of our family home and into a home of his own. While he thought I was quick to pack up his things and send them along with him, I was ready to rid my house of extra stuff and reclaim his old bedroom.
I tried to give him some furniture from the attic. What I envisioned was him taking a bed, a dresser, all his childhood toys I had stored through the years, and the blanket chest filled with nesting Pyrex bowls, family cookbooks, artwork and an antique clock. In the end, he took an old handled tool box and a primitive wood box. That’s it! The new open space I envisioned in my attic did not appear! He didn’t want my stuff, even the stuff I thought I was “saving” for him.
Soon after I realized that my son didn’t want my stuff, I had proof that I wasn’t the only one who goes through this sort of life event.
Starting The Next Chapter: Find Your Niche In Retirement
By Jennifer Mish of Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA (Aug 9, 2020) - When we look at the next chapter in our career or wonder what we might do after retirement, we have an opportunity to find a profession we are passionate about and allows us to contribute to society, we could discover a part-time job that brings us joy, or a volunteer position at a not-for-profit that shares our values.
So where do you start? How do you know what you are passionate about?
Elder Care Requires Breaking Promises
By Wendy Kerschner of Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA (July 20, 2020) - We make promises with good intentions, but sometimes we just can’t possibly keep them.
Working in the senior health and care field, the promise I most often hear family members recall is: “I promised him/her I would never put him/her in a facility.” This promise haunts people. It tears them up inside when they realize they can’t possibly keep that promise and, even years later, they still carry the guilt.
Overwhelmingly this promise is made from the heart. Everyone wants the best for family members and loved ones. If someone expresses that they want to live at home as long as possible, any reasonable family member will want to make that happen.
Protecting Seniors: Safe at Home When It’s Needed Most
By Wendy Kerschner of Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA (June 14, 2020) - It’s not easy staying home, even when you’re told it’s the best thing for you.
For those over age 65, the “shelter in place” order was essential. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made it clear that older adults who have underlying medical conditions like lung/liver/kidney disease, heart conditions, diabetes and compromised immune systems, are vulnerable to illness and disease, and that is still true, even as Berks County moves to the “yellow” phase.
Home remains a safe place because the potential for exposure remains lowest for those who have limited outside contact. This means less trips to public places and limited visitors at the house.
While it might sound like a lot of work, or even viewed as unnecessary, this truly is the time to develop a plan to keep those over 65 safe and protected.
Engaging With Elderly Loved Ones Is More Important Now Than Ever
By Wendy Kerschner - Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA (May 10, 2020) - During this time of social distancing we are all getting a reality check on how seniors might feel when they are isolated. If you're anything like the family members in my household, at any given moment you might be bored, irritated, ready to take a nap, still in your pajamas, constantly eating comfort foods, lacking a routine and feel stuck in a rut. Can you relate? For some seniors, this is their life, not just now but every day.
Feeling isolated affects mental and physical well-being. The geriatric population is especially vulnerable, more so than other age groups, due to their delicate medical situations and multiple chronic conditions.
According to the National Institute on Aging, "Social isolation and loneliness are linked to increased risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, weakened immune system, anxiety, depression and cognitive decline."
What folks need for their well-being is positive daily interactions.
For Dementia Patients, Music is Magical
By Wendy Kerschner - Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA (April 12, 2020) - Music has a magical power, it lifts spirits, recalls memories and often encourages people to sing and move along.
Far more amazing is that musical memories are often preserved by those with dementia because key areas of the brain linked to musical memory are relatively untouched by the disease.
The film, "Alive Inside," as described on its website, is a "joyous cinematic exploration of music's capacity to reawaken our souls", watch a clip of it on YouTube and you'll quickly agree with this theory.
Hospitalizations Are Opportunities to Change Status Quo
By: Wendy Kerschner - Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA (March 8, 2020) - One truth I have found to be fairly common among our elder population is that they prefer to maintain the status quo. They'd rather not ask for help or talk about their deficiencies. They'd rather not change anything!
However, the reality is when we fail to take proactive action, we may fall victim to having to react in a crisis. In many situations with our aging loved ones, the opportunity to make a change is when they have a hospitalization.
Through the years, most of our aging loved ones have made incremental adjustments in their way of living in order to adapt to their changing abilities and inabilities. They may or may not recognize how they have adapted over the years.
What Do You Do With Unwanted Medical Items?
By: Wendy Kerschner - Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA (February 26, 2020)- If you've ever been a new parent, or in the home of new parents, you will recall the days when the house was happily filled with new baby equipment.
No doubt it included strollers, bouncers, activity centers, swings and other gadgets that new parents tend to accumulate. Many times those items eventually get sold or passed on to other eager young families in need.
As we age, this scenario repeats itself, just now with the medical devices and equipment. But there's one big difference: Who wants it? What do we do with the adult medical items and equipment when it is no longer needed?
Giving Up the Car Keys, the Hardest Conversation
By: Wendy Kerschner - Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA (February 9, 2020)- If you thought talking with loved ones about finances was the hardest conversation you would have, think again.
Many would argue that the topic of giving up driving is the hardest conversation. After all, who wants to be the "bad guy"? No one!
The topic came up in our family after my grandmother had a little mishap with her car. Her car was quickly repaired and she was back on the road. The scary thing was that, once her car was fixed, she seemed to have forgotten all about the mishap and her driving was quickly back to "status quo". Nevertheless, any family member that was ever her passenger commented that they would have felt safer if they were driving. It's hard to ignore that reality.
Aging Well: Here Are Some Holiday Gift Ideas for Seniors
By: Wendy Kerschner - Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA, (December 4, 2019) —Before I started shopping this year, I decided to ask a few of my colleagues from local Berks County living facilities their gift-giving suggestions.
Shopping for gift-giving is not my “thing.” It is stressful trying to come up with the perfect gift for everyone on my list.
I try to be mindful of what the recipient might want, need or appreciate. For me, the hardest person to buy for is my almost 90-year-old grandma who lives in a one-room suite in a personal-care community.
Before I started shopping this year, I decided to ask a few of my colleagues from local Berks County living facilities their gift-giving suggestions.
Aging Well: Our Real Fear of Dementia
By: Wendy Kerschner - Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA, (November 9, 2019) — Dementia is a real fear. No one wants to “get it.” No one wants their loved ones to “get it.” Yet we all know that statistically, it could be in our future.
I was chatting with a group of female friends recently when dementia became a topic of conversation.
It started innocently enough, with one of us forgetting something we should have known and then responding with the all-too-common comeback: “I hope I don't have dementia!”
Dementia is a real fear. No one wants to “get it.” No one wants their loved ones to “get it.” Yet we all know that statistically, it could be in our future.
(West Lawn, PA - October, 2019) — Local Comfort Keepers® franchise co-owners, Jennifer Mish and Dave Kendall, were awarded the Operational Excellence award at the 2019 Comfort Keepers Leadership Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. The award is granted to franchisees whose local businesses demonstrate consistent delivery of exceptional service to clients, employees, and the community.
This recognition requires hard work by the franchise owner. Award recipients are selected based on overall client satisfaction for exemplary service and quality of care, which requires compliance with strict quality standards. Their level of local community involvement also comes into play.
Aging Well: Be a Squeaky Wheel
By: Wendy Kerschner - Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA, (October 4, 2019) — Our family learned very quickly that for my grandmother to get the best care, we had to be the squeaky wheel. You know the saying: “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.”
My grandmother resides in a local facility here in Berks County. Family members, including her son, daughter and grandchildren, visit her frequently. We communicate with each other after our visits: What does she need? What did we notice?
We always keep her best interests in mind and want the very best care for her. After all, we are following the lessons she taught us for all those years. She always sacrificed for us and made sure we had what we needed, and now it is our turn to do the same for her.
Aging Well: My journey with Mom, my changing role
While my fiercely independent Mom could manage her own care, my new role was to help Mom when she needed the support as she led the way.
By: Jennifer L. Mish - Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA, (August 8, 2019) — The first time that I remember my role as a daughter had changed was when Mom was diagnosed with cancer three years ago.
While my fiercely independent Mom could manage her own care, my new role was to help Mom when she needed the support as she led the way.
The scary diagnosis pulled my brother and me into being a part of her journey as she navigated through the health care system with our support from the sideline.
Aging Well: As you age, be sure to save for a rainy day
By: Wendy Kerschner - Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA, (September 19, 2019) — Growing up, I was taught to “save for a rainy day,” and it seems many families in Berks County have had the same upbringing. The question is, as we age, how will we know when it’s “a rainy day”?
When it comes to money, everyone has an opinion: How to earn it, how to save it and how to spend it.
Growing up, I was taught to “save for a rainy day,” and it seems many families in Berks County have had the same upbringing. The question is, as we age, how will we know when it's “a rainy day”?
Reading Eagle: Go While You Can
By: Wendy Kerschner - Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA, (June 6, 2019) — In her Pennsylvania Dutch accent, “Go while you can,” is the wisdom my 95 year old neighbor, Cassie, always imparted to friends.
Cassie was a lady on the go. Stepping out in her wide variety of sparkly and unique hats, a never ending caravan of four-door sedans seemed to visit her driveway. Whether it was one of her many senior groups, a casino trip or just out for ice cream, Cassie would say “yes” to any invitation. Matter of fact, the joke amongst her friends was that “if you didn’t want Cassie to go along, don’t ask her!” Her answer was always, “Yes!” She lived her motto, “Go while you can.”
Reading Eagle: A Delayed Decision Means You Could Be Missing Out
By: Wendy Kerschner - Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA, (May 9, 2019) —People wait too long. They wait too long to go to the doctor. They wait too long to ask questions. They wait too long to do something about their declining health. They wait too long to get help.
Working with the senior community for the past ten years has honestly been my most challenging career. The truth is, I am never sure who is making the decisions. It is common for the adult children to respect their parents and allow them to make their own decisions, but all too often the senior’s decision making ability has begun to diminish. Sometimes it is compromised by the delusion that they can handle their own care, sometimes it is compromised by the cognitive declines they do not realize they have and sometimes, quite honestly, it is compromised by the enabling of family and friends who help a little too much, even though it is pushing them to their limits.
Reading Eagle: Support Group Proves You Are Not Alone
By: Wendy Kerschner - Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA, (February 7, 2019) —It’s interesting to be an observer in a room.
I recently had the opportunity to attend an Alzheimer’s Memory Support Group. While I was scheduled to be the speaker, I was quick to realize that the attendees had their own agenda of topics to discuss. I was fascinated by the ensuing conversations.
One topic of discussion was the difference between caring for a spouse versus caring for a parent. All attendees seemed to agree that it was somewhat easier caring for a spouse because you were in control of making the decisions (whereas with a parent, the parent-child relationship is often preserved and it’s more difficult to come to an agreement with parents on the care decisions needed). The conversation became very personal when two wives shared that they now felt lonely in their home. With both of their husbands living in a facility, their days were mostly becoming routine with visits to the facilities and then nights at home by themselves. Both agreed it was a new normal and referred to it as “re-inventing” themselves.
Aging Well: Adult Daughter Recounts The Many Lessons She’s Learned
By: Wendy Kerschner - Comfort Keepers
I'm 44. My mom is 63, the same age my dad was when he passed away in 2011.
Dad's illness and passing was unexpected. Excuse my bluntness, but in the course of just six weeks his life went from diagnosis to death. It's not the ending any of us would have assumed would be our story. Along the course of our short journey, I learned a few things:
Berks County Comfort Keepers Wins Award for Operational Excellence
West Lawn, PA, (October 23, 2018) — Berks County Comfort Keepers® franchise co-owners, Jennifer Mish and Dave Kendall, were recently awarded the Operational Excellence award at the 2018 Comfort Keepers Leadership Conference in San Antonio, Texas. The award is granted to franchisees whose local businesses demonstrate consistent delivery of exceptional service to clients, employees, and the community.
This recognition requires hard work by the franchise owner. Award recipients are selected based on overall client satisfaction for exemplary service and quality of care, which requires compliance with strict quality standards. Their level of local community involvement also comes into play.
“This is a real honor,” said Jennifer Mish. “It’s great to be recognized not only by our clients but also by our Caregivers who consistently deliver the exceptional in home care that is the hallmark of Comfort Keepers and supports our local community in which we serve. It just doesn’t get any better than this.”
Comfort Keepers offers in-home care and services for seniors and other adults needing assistance, allows clients to live comfortably in their own homes, maintain their independence and realize everyday joy. Comfort Keepers caregivers focus on a unique, individualized approach to care and socialization that helps clients thrive and achieve greater well-being. All caregivers are employees who undergo criminal, driving, drug, and credit background checks that ensure dependability and reliability. Comfort Keepers in Berks County has been locally owned and operated since 2001.
About Comfort Keepers®
Comfort Keepers®, located at 2209 Quarry Drive, Suite A-12 - West Lawn, PA 19609, provides professional in-home caregiving that makes a difference in the lives of seniors and other adults. Since its founding locally in 2001, the company has been providing support and services that improve lives and promote independent living at home.
Reading Eagle’s Business Weekly: Women in Business
Jennifer Mish: Co-owner and CEO
West Lawn, PA, (June 2018) — Jennifer Mish is the Co-owner and CEO of Comfort Keepers. Since 2001, Comfort Keepers has been providing at home senior care services that make a difference in the lives of Berks County seniors and other adults.
Building a team and empowering staff are key components of Jennifer's accomplishments leading to Comfort Keepers being recognized as the Best of Home Care Provider for the past six years. Jennifer takes pride in ensuring compassionate, professional Caregiver deliver Comfort Keeper's promise to enrich the lives of seniors, helping them live safely, happily, and independently in the comfort of their own homes.
Recipient of the Shining Star Large Business of the Year Award from the Northeast Chamber of Commerce
Success Written in Shining Stars
By: Taylor Delehanty - Comfort Keepers
West Lawn, PA, (November 14, 2017) — Comfort Keepers, an at home senior care provider, took the award for large business of the year. The business employs 141 people who provide care to seniors and their families.
Dave Kendall, co-owner, said people do business with Comfort Keepers because they feel it is trustworthy and delivers what is promised.
Local Comfort Keepers Wins Award for Operational Excellence
West Lawn, PA, (November 14, 2017) — Local Comfort Keepers franchise owner, Dave Kendall & Jennifer Mish were recently awarded the Operational Excellence award by CK Franchising, Inc., franchisor of Comfort Keepers in-home senior care franchise network, for consistent delivery of exceptional service to clients, employees, and the community. They were recognized at the Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony during the Comfort Keepers Leadership Conference held in Orlando, FL, October 26 through October 28, 2017.
This recognition requires hard work by the franchise owner. Award recipients are selected based on overall client satisfaction for exemplary service and quality of care, which requires compliance with strict quality standards. Their level of local community involvement also comes into play.
This was the 5th year for this prestigious award which recognizes operational excellence in quality of home care solutions and living assistance service delivery. Kendall & Mish, co-owners of Comfort Keepers of Berks County received the award in 2012 & 2013, 2014-15, 2015-16, and 2016-17 from the company's support office in Dayton, Ohio and were selected from over 650 Comfort Keepers franchises nationwide. Criteria for the award include overall client satisfaction for quality service, caregiver satisfaction, and community involvement.
“This is a real honor,” said Kendall. “It’s great to be recognized not only by our clients, but also by our caregivers who regularly provide the type of personal care that is the hallmark of Comfort Keepers, and by Berks County, the local community in which we serve. It just doesn’t get any better than this.”
Comfort Keepers, a growing franchise offering at home senior care and services for seniors and other adults needing assistance, allows clients to live comfortably in their own homes and maintain their independence. Their care packages can include companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, incidental transportation, laundry, recreational activities, and more. All Comfort Keepers caregivers are employees who undergo criminal, driving, and credit background checks that ensure dependability and reliability. Kendall & Mish have operated the Berks County Comfort Keepers franchise for 16 years.
Celebrating Women In Business After 15 Proud Years Of Services
West Lawn, PA, (June 20, 2017) —Comfort Keepers of West Lawn, PA founders Beverly and Russ Hinnershitz have been helping seniors in and around the community of West Lawn for over 15 years. Each year that they've been in business, they have done their best to improve upon the services provided. Whether it be collaborating with other health care agencies, or getting input from the community, Comfort Keeper's mission to help clients achieve the highest quality of life possible at home is one that will never be finished, but only perfected.
Jennifer Mish, co-owner, and CEO is a team member that has proven her commitment to the community and the seniors residing in it. Through her efforts to better home care services, Jennifer brought together a team of compassionate experts with local knowledge in order to help manage and care for the seniors of West Lawn, PA. Ensuring that her team is providing the highest quality of care has led Comfort Keepers to be recognized as the Best Home Care Provider for over 4 years in a row!
For her dedication to seniors and their family members, Comfort Keepers of West Lawn, PA is proud to recognized Jennifer Mish as a Woman of Business. Her accomplishments have furthered the success of not only herself but the team members and clients she cares for dearly. Jennifer is a true role model for other women looking to join the business world.
