Today we’d like to introduce you to Keren Wheeler.
Keren, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Having grown up in the home of a minister, I have always had a heart for the hurting and those in need. As a child, I experienced a childhood related illness that confined me to a wheelchair for a period of three months and altered my ability to attend school for one semester. The dependence and appreciation for my caregivers etched a deep groove into my life…I knew I would one day help others in need. I. graduated from nursing school in 1985 and worked various nursing health related jobs. In 1997, I opened a home health company in my home town of Hobe Sound, Florida. As the business grew, we expanded out of the Florida market and into Georgia.
During that time, our staff set the standard for excellence, evidenced by the 20,000 plus families we served.
After 2004, when my sister was successfully treated for cancer at MDAnderson the desire to do business in this wonderful city was sparked.
Several years later, my husband, Jerry and I explored options to advance the desire to work in Texas. Laura Cook, a friend with whom I share a rich and multi-generational connection, was one of the individuals on my short list of like-minded people I would enjoy working with.
I invited her to partner with us and was delighted at her consent, in 2009, the time was right to extend a presence in Houston. Since that time, we have worked diligently to provide support and care for the families we have been blessed to interface with.
Has it been a smooth road?
Anything worthwhile is filled with challenge. Challenge is good and expands the opportunity for growth.
It is my desire to continue to change the conversation in regards to caregiving.
Caregiving provides an opportunity for individuals from EVERY walk of life to give something back. Teachers, artists, writers, engineers…it matters not your title. There is always a need to expand the scope of interest to include helping others. My challenge is to inspire everyone to consider caregiving as a worthy and fulfilling opportunity that can enhance an existing career.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Evergreen Private Care story. Tell us more about the business.
Evergreen Private Care is a licensed home health, personal assistance service provider.
From short visits to extended hours, we tailor care to fit individual needs. All levels of nursing care is provided by Evergreen: Hi-Tech RN, RN, LVN, HHA, CNA, PCA and companions.
We provide 24-hour medical on-call staff to support families and caregivers.
Evergreen Private Care is credentialed with many complex care management companies.
We assist all ages from pediatric to geriatric.
Payment sources include, private funding, trusts, workmen’s compensation, insurance, long term care insurance and letters of guarantee.
I believe we are distinguished by the absolute commitment to the simple concept and practice; we are, “people caring for people”. The Evergreen team is motivated by the belief that in the heart of every boy, girl, man and woman is the desire to be loved and cared for despite any physical challenge or state of well-being. While we are a diverse group of people, representing many faith background, we all recognize the need to ask for help from above. This spirit of humility governs our actions toward one another, our caregivers and the clients we serve.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Health care is changing. We are all holding our breath as we see the yearly premium hikes. How will this impact our business? More and more services will be offered in the home environment. Measurable outcomes that we gauge now will be increasing critical.
Excellence in delivery and coordination will continue to make the difference between the providers families select.
Presently, we manage ventilator dependent and catastrophic situations in the home. It is the affirmation that physicians in the community offer that assures me that we are addressing an ever changing environment and offering the best delivery and coordination of care.
Just this week, one of our ventilator dependent clients who deals with complex special needs, was seen in the doctor’s office. One of our nurses was in attendance. When the physician walked in she relayed that his mouth “dropped open” as he declared, “I did not think this case could be handled at home and fully expected readmission within two days. This is a remarkable improvement. Leave it to Evergreen to produce these results!”
While I share that with the greatest humility, it represents the unbelievable dedication of our team of nurses who are working night and day to make a difference in the lives of our clients. While technology will expand in home service options, there will never be a substitute for the heart to heart relationship that demonstrated the highest, purest and best relationship spark between those in need and those extending a hand to offer hope and healing.
Contact Info:
- Address: 7171 Hwy 6 North suite 108
Houston, Texas 77095 - Website: www.evergreenprivatecare.com
- Phone: 281-320-1856
- Email: [email protected]
- Facebook: Evergreenprivatecare @homehealthcareHouston
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