By Dawn Klavon
Sponsored by Southern Made Home Care
COVID-19 changed the world as we knew it, but home health care continues to evolve to meet the ever-changing needs and requirements of the industry.
“Covid-19 caused a major employee shortage for us,” said Shamira Westmoreland, owner/CEO of Southern Made Home Care.
The Woodbridge-based company has stayed afloat over the past two years during the pandemic, but saw drastic changes in the number of clients, as well as business protocols. During the lockdown with more people working from home, home health care services were not a necessity for some clients and their families.
“They no longer needed us,” Westmoreland said.
Industry Changes
The home health care industry as a whole has seen huge changes since the pandemic began. In 2019, there were approximately 2.3 million home care workers in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The pandemic reshaped home care services and policy. On top of consumers canceling home health care now that they were working from home or not working, some families abstained from care due to fear of infection.
“We now require all caregivers that we hire to be fully vaccinated,” Westmoreland said. “Our clients started asking if it was required and wouldn’t allow non-vaccinated people in their homes.”
Another new factor in the home health care equation was the need for access to personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers, who were at increased risk of infection without it. Westmoreland said Southern Made Health Care leaders saw additional operating costs for PPE and overtime. But, like many industries affected by the pandemic, Southern Made rolled with the punches and made ends meet, continuing to provide holistic care for its clients. Every member of the Southern Made team stepped up.
“When our caregivers would either be exposed or have COVID-19, non-compromised caregivers would have to fill in and cover shifts,” Westmoreland said. “As a result, all Southern Made office staff are now required to be PCA (Personal Care Aide) certified and fill in when needed.”
A Family-Run Company
Southern Made Home Care is a family-run company dedicated to providing clients, their families, and communities the best quality and affordable home care services.
“We will not only assist our clients physically, but we will also support them emotionally, mentally, and spiritually,” Westmoreland said. “We will cater to each need and execute them properly, safely, and with care.”
Southern Made’s wide range of personalized home care services enables seniors and other people with disabilities to live independently within the comfort of their homes. Staff are certified to deliver a wide range of services needed and will always display professionalism and do exceptional work, Westmoreland said, adding that they guarantee continuous, trustworthy service and outstanding customer service.
According to reports from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, more recent reports have highlighted how home care agencies have rebounded and are now viewed as an important means for reducing institutional care and preventing hospitalizations. To that point, Westmoreland emphasized Southern Made Home Care is poised, ready to meet the needs of additional clients.
“We’re ready,” she said, “eager to make a difference in the lives of clients and their families.”
Dawn Klavon is a journalist, author, media director and recent transplant to NOVA. She thrives on juggling multiple projects, discovering local hot spots, consuming blue crab and conquering sudoku puzzles. Dawn can be reached at dklavon@princewilliamliving.com.
