Glen and Michelle Scharfeld are the dedicated co-owners of Senior Helpers, a multi-territory in-home care service operating across the Nature Coast and Sun Coast areas.
Glen, a veteran law enforcement officer with over 20 years of service, leverages his extensive community engagement experience to enhance care for seniors and veterans. Holding a Master of Science in Human Resources Management, Glen also contributes significantly to veteran communities through his role in the Veteran Community Partnership coalition with the VA.
Michelle brings her robust legal expertise, having worked as a Legal Assistant and Judges Assistant, to ensure that Senior Helpers operates with the highest standards of compliance and advocacy. Together, they focus on educating veterans and the public about available care benefits and resources, significantly impacting the quality of life for thousands of individuals. Glen and Michelle are parents to two aspiring service industry professionals, continuing their legacy of service and care.
How did both of you get started with Senior Helpers, and what inspired you to focus on in-home care for seniors?
Glen: My background in law enforcement often put me in touch with the most vulnerable populations, including seniors. Seeing the need for compassionate and professional care drove us to start Senior Helpers. Our aim has always been to enhance the quality of life for our clients and their families.
Michelle: For me, working in the legal field, especially with seniors and veterans, highlighted the gaps in care and resources available. We saw an opportunity to make a significant difference with Senior Helpers by providing dedicated and comprehensive support to these communities.
Glen, can you share a bit about your role on the Veteran Community Partnership coalition with the VA?
Glen: Absolutely. I work with the coalition to enhance the bridge between veterans’ needs and the community resources available to them. This role involves coordination with various organizations to streamline access to care and support services for veterans.
Michelle, how has your legal background influenced your approach to running an in-home care business?
Michelle: My legal experience has been invaluable, particularly in understanding the regulatory aspects of healthcare and navigating the complexities of Medicare and VA benefits for our clients. It ensures we operate within the law and advocate effectively for our clients’ needs.
What are some of the unique challenges you face in the in-home care industry, and how do you address them?
Glen: One major challenge is the varying health conditions and needs of our clients. We address this by customizing our care plans and ensuring our staff are highly trained and equipped to handle a wide range of situations.
Michelle: Another challenge is ensuring the safety and protection of both our clients and caregivers. We have rigorous protocols and continuous training to maintain the highest standards of care and security.
Can you tell us more about the educational initiatives Senior Helpers provides to the community?
Michelle: We offer free public education on senior care, including on-site Virtual Dementia tours, which are very eye-opening for families of those with dementia. It’s about creating an informed community that can support its aging members effectively.
Glen, your career in law enforcement awarded you over 40 commendations. How has that experience influenced your leadership style at Senior Helpers?
Glen: My law enforcement career taught me the importance of integrity, resilience, and community service. I bring these values to Senior Helpers, ensuring that we serve our clients with the utmost respect and dedication.
What accomplishments at Senior Helpers are you most proud of?
Michelle: I am particularly proud of how we’ve managed to expand our services to reach more veterans and seniors, ensuring they receive the care they need. It’s rewarding to see the direct impact of our work on their quality of life.
How do you balance the demands of running a business with family life?
Glen: It’s all about setting priorities and effective time management. We also involve our children in our work where appropriate, helping them understand the importance of service to others.
Michelle: We try to keep our weekends sacred for family time. It’s important for us to recharge and reconnect as a family.
What future plans do you have for expanding or evolving Senior Helpers’ services?
Glen: We are looking into leveraging more technology to enhance our care services, including remote health monitoring systems, which can greatly benefit our clients with chronic health issues.
Michelle: Additionally, we’re exploring partnerships with local healthcare providers to offer a more integrated care model that covers all aspects of our clients’ health and wellness needs.
What advice would you give to someone looking to enter the in-home care industry?
Michelle: It’s crucial to have a passion for helping others and a strong understanding of the healthcare landscape. Being adaptable and empathetic will go a long way in this field.
What keeps you motivated during tough times?
Glen: Seeing the difference we make in our clients’ lives keeps me going. Every “thank you” we get from a family reassures us that we’re on the right path.
Michelle: And for me, it’s about the people we serve. Knowing that we are providing essential services that improve the quality of life for seniors and veterans gives us both purpose and motivation.
