The significance of personalized care cannot be overstated. In the world of senior care, this concept goes beyond simply meeting the physical needs of seniors; it extends to preserving their dignity, promoting their independence, and enhancing their overall quality of life. Medical Priorities Ltd recognizes this truth, which is why they have earned a well-deserved reputation as a beacon of compassion and understanding in the senior care industry.
They understand that no two individuals are the same, and as such, their care should reflect their distinct personalities, health conditions, and preferences. Thus, in such an era where cookie-cutter solutions prevail, the company breaks the mold by placing the utmost importance on tailoring care to the specific requirements of each senior.
With a team of dedicated caregivers who genuinely prioritize the well-being of their clients, Medical Priorities Ltd goes above and beyond to ensure that each senior receives the individualized attention they deserve. By taking the time to listen, understand, and adapt, they create a nurturing and supportive environment where seniors can thrive.
In an interview with Insights Care, Sandy Wellman, the Operations Manager of Medical Priorities Ltd highlights the core operations of the company that makes it shines as a prime example of how personalized care can revolutionize the senior care experience.
Following are the excerpts from the interview:
Kindly brief us about your organization.
Medical Priorities Senior Home Care Services is a comprehensive private home care agency that offers top-notch in-home healthcare services to senior citizens residing in London, Ontario, and its surrounding areas.
We have been in operation since 1995 and have dedicated over 25 years to delivering exceptional customized care to seniors and their loved ones. We provide relief services to hospitals, nursing homes, retirement homes, and other healthcare institutions that serve the elderly.
Our team comprises extensively trained, skilled, and vetted Home Support Workers (HSWs), Personal Support Workers (PSWs), Registered Practical Nurses (RPNs), Senior Companions, Dental Hygienists, Physiotherapists (PT), Foot Care Nurses, Occupational Therapists (OT), and Caregivers who are committed to providing empathetic and individualized care to each of our clients.
Please tell us about yourself and your professional journey so far.
My name is Sandy Wellman- Operations Manager. I have extensive experience in the home care industry. I grew up on a farm north of London. After high school, I went to Western University for a BA in history. On graduation, I joined Clarkson Gordon (subsequently merged with Ernst and Young) in 1978 and received my Chartered Accountant designation in 1981.
In 1982 I transferred to the London England office and worked there for three years. Then I returned to the London Ontario office and stayed until 1988 when I purchased a small business in Goderich Ontario which refurbished aircraft. I moved with my family to Goderich and remained there for 25 years.
In 2011 business conditions worsened and the business failed. I then joined my sister in her business which was in-home senior care provided by professional caregivers and have remained there as Office Manager since.
What are the core values of the organization? What is its mission and vision statement?
The core values of Medical Priorities Senior Home Care Services are respect, compassion, dedication, and excellence. Our mission is to promote seniors’ independence, safety, and comfort while preserving their quality of life and dignity through providing customized patient-centered care. Our vision is to be the leading home care solutions provider, recognized for excellence in patient-centered care delivery, innovation, and technology.
What are the key products and services of your organization, and how is it impacting the demographic concerned?
Our key products and services include personal care support, nursing care, companionship, palliative or end-of-life care, respite care, and home support care. All our services are tailored to meet each client’s needs and preferences ensuring that seniors receive the highest quality of care in the comfort of their homes.
In the last few years with the Covid pandemic which affected seniors the most, our services were able to make a significant impact on their lives by making sure that everyone received consistent care at their preferred time and location, removing the fear of being exposed to the virus. Our services helped to keep them comfortable, safe and healthy during this period and even now, as the fear of infection persists. This has been our goal since the organization was founded.
We understand that many seniors have family members who are unable to provide the necessary support due to distance or other commitments. Therefore, we bring in professional assistance to fill the caring support gap. This has made a huge difference in the lives of seniors, who are now able to access the support they need, even when family members are unavailable.
Recently, we launched concierge services, daily welfare checks, and dental hygienist services at home. This is part of our mission to provide a one-stop-shop for seniors who find it difficult to leave their homes due to their condition or situation. We believe that no matter the situation, seniors should be able to easily access the support they need. Our goal is to make this possible for all seniors in our community, by providing them with the best possible care and support.
In what ways is the organization incorporating emerging technological solutions to be the leading home care solution provider in 2023?
We continuously integrate emerging technological solutions to enhance our care services and stay ahead of the competition. We use advanced software that caters to the entire care process, from admission, care planning, caregiving, and discharge. Our application of technology enables us to provide superior care and support to our senior clients, including real-time care monitoring and reporting, convenient access to health records, and streamlined communication with the entire healthcare team, thereby improving care delivery, reducing errors and enhancing communication between caregivers, clients and families. Additionally, we explore novel technologies that can help us monitor and manage chronic conditions and identify potential health concerns before they escalate into severe issues.
According to you, what are the challenges the home care industry currently faces, and how is your organization making the best out of it?
One of the major challenges facing the home care industry is the shortage of caregivers. Our organization is tackling this challenge by providing our caregivers with competitive wages, benefits and training opportunities, making our organization an attractive place to work. We are also leveraging technology to enhance our caregivers’ ability to provide care, reduce their workload and improve communication between them, clients, and families.
As an experienced leader, what advice would you like to give to aspiring entrepreneurs and enthusiasts who wish to venture into the competitive industry that you are serving?
My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs and enthusiasts is to be passionate about the industry they are serving, stay focused on their goals and always put their client’s needs first. Building a successful home care business requires dedication, hard work and a willingness to adapt to changing circumstances. It is also important to develop a strong team of caregivers and support staff who share the same values and commitment to providing high-quality patient-centered care.
What are the future goals of the company? How does it envision scaling up its operations and reach in 2023 and beyond?
Our future goals include expanding our services to other regions, continuing to invest in technology to improve care delivery, and building a stronger team of caregivers and support staff. We envision scaling up our operations.
