By Dawn Klavon
Sponsored by Southern Made Home Care
Shamira Westmoreland is a born caregiver– so much so that she started her own business to do what she loves. Southern Made Home Care in Woodbridge was the result.
“We love our clients like family,” she said.
How it Started
Westmoreland saw a need for licensed, skilled caregivers to visit elderly or those needing extra help, and from that, her business was born in 2018. Southern Made assists clients of all ages, with varying degrees of need. It has two locations– in Woodbridge and Virginia Beach. From the get-go, the company’s roster of clients increased dramatically.
“We grew really, really fast,” she said. Southern Made’s team of caregivers are all PCA (personal care assistants)-certified, and include CNAs, LPNs and RNs.
The company’s mission is to deliver excellent services that meet the needs of clients at the most affordable price. Being from the south, Westmoreland’s company aims to offer clients the true experience of the south with definitive ‘southern hospitality’.
Caring for Family
Though COVID-19 slowed down the caregiving industry, Southern Made has maintained clients and continues to reach out to Northern Virginia communities. Westmoreland believes sometimes elderly are the ‘forgotten generation’.
“People don’t always give them extra TLC,” she said, emphasizing she understands how difficult caring for elderly relatives can be on top of raising children and holding down jobs. Southern Made, she noted, was designed not only to be a blessing to its clients but also their loved ones.
“We help the family the most– and we love it!” Westmoreland said.
Starting in her teens caring for elderly aunts and uncles, and then eventually caring for her great-grandmother, Westmoreland was naturally drawn to caregiving and developed empathy and skills. The Texas native transplanted to Virginia after college, but always carried a burden for those in need.
“We’re family-oriented,” she said, noting that she works with her own mother at Southern Made. “That’s really a big part of our company.”
Opportunities
According to data from the Population Reference Bureau, America’s baby boomers, born from 1946 to 1964, number over 65 million. Westmoreland sees that statistic as a tremendous opportunity to extend care to aging loved ones. Noting Southern Made Home Care is a women-owned, Black-owned small business, she is proud to make experience and compassion the cornerstones of the company. Southern Made Home Care’s services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and caregivers can be secured for either full-time or part-time care.
“It’s hard to get to mom every day,” Westmoreland said. “We try to fill that gap –we love them like family.”
Find out more about Southern Made Home Care:
12531 Clipper Drive, Suite 202-8, Woodbridge, VA 22192 703-490-2273 (CARE) southernmadehomcare@gmail.com
Bonded & Insured
