Helping seniors live independently is the goal of Affordable and Quality Home Care Services

Maintaining their independence is something most seniors hold very important, and understandably so. The ability to live in one’s own home with familiar surroundings is comforting, although it can become increasingly difficult when health challenges present themselves.

With over 20 years of experience in the medical field, Carlos Perez, owner of Affordable and Quality Home Care Services, not only understands the needs seniors have, but tries to help them achieve their goal of maintaining an independent lifestyle with his non-medical caregiver service.

“Our focus is on the care and wellbeing of our clients,” said Perez, who custom tailors a plan for each individual – whether they need just a little bit of help or a significant amount of assistance.

Perez and his friendly, trained staff of 22 caregivers have a comprehensive list of services available, depending on the specific needs of a client.

Clients can be assisted with bathing, dressing, and personal grooming services like help with their hair, nails and shaving. Outings, errands and grocery shopping can easily be accomplished and meals freshly prepared to the person’s likes and requirements.

“We shop, cook and clean up all the dishes and cookware used,” said Perez. “Our staff prepares good, warm meals and sits with the individual to provide companionship for the meal. It provides a person with a more normal dining experience than being alone and just eating random things that may not be nutritious.”

Caregivers from Affordable and Quality Home Care Services are able to take clients to medical, dental and therapy appointments; perform light housekeeping duties, provide reminders about taking medications; and help a patient with at-home exercises prescribed by a doctor or therapist. Hospice-related care is also offered.

Perhaps most importantly, the caregivers from Affordable and Quality Home Care Services encourage their senior clients to greet the day with an upbeat attitude.

“There are a lot of seniors that will stay in their nightgown or pajamas and go back to bed off and on throughout the day if they are alone all the time,” explained Perez. “We encourage and help our clients to get up, bathe, get dressed, and give the day a meaning.”

Medical sources concur that creating structure to an individual’s day can be beneficial to his or her mental well-being, and help minimize confusion, depression, and other issues.

“Clients begin to realize that they feel better [when they put some structure in their day]; they are more motivated,” said Perez.

Perez emphasizes the fact that each client is unique, with specific needs.

“We communicate very well with our clients and their family members to make sure we are meeting each person’s needs. We want to learn what they like, and tailor our service to just exactly what they want and need,” he said.

In some cases, seniors will contact Perez directly to ask about help; in other situations, adult children will make the call to see what services might be available to help an aging parent.

“We have clients who have family here locally and several whose families live out of state,” said Perez. “We keep in touch regularly via phone calls, text and/or email messages.” Most of Perez’s clients live alone, but some live with adult children who need an extra pair of hands to help out.

“We get calls from sons and daughters looking for help; sometimes things can get pretty overwhelming,” he said. “Trying to do too much for an ailing parent can sometimes cause strain in their relationship, even though it is well-meaning.”

Another type of client that Perez can assist is one who lives alone and is facing a major surgery. He can arrange help for a patient coming home from the hospital or a nursing facility during those first few “rough” post-discharge days.

“It’s just a matter of helping someone get back on his or her feet,” he said, adding that his service can be retained for a minimum of four hours at a time and that his staff of caregivers are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Perez said many people fondly refer to his service as their “security blanket,” a term he considers the highest compliment.

Patient coordinator Rosio Tapia is a key member of Perez’s staff. Both he and Tapia make regular supervisory visits to clients’ homes to ensure that staff members are meeting all the customers’ needs. That added level of conscientiousness is what has served Perez well in his business and earned him numerous referrals from medical providers and clients.

“We know there is competition out there and that encourages us to do better; it makes us humble and thankful,” said Perez. Taking pride in exceeding expectations, Perez says it is important to him to make those individuals who have recommended him pleased with the feedback they get.

Affordable and Quality Home Care Services is licensed, insured and bonded. All caregivers are carefully screened, including a mandatory background check. For more information, contact Carlos Perez at (760) 468-3075.

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