SYNERGY HomeCare of Edmond & Norman Oklahoma FEATURE

CELEBRATING 5 byYEARS Anne M. Richardson

of Helping Seniors

by Anne M. Richardson

Stay at home

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or a woman who has grown a successful Five years years ago, ago, Weama Weama Kassem, Five business with two CEO and President of SYNERGY locations in five years, HomeCare dreamed of having a successful business helping seniors. there is always a She began with a love and passion servant’s heart at the Weama Kassem, for serving others. Today, Weama CEO & Owner center of Weama’s has a team of professionals with the work. This gentlewoman of SYNERGY same heartfelt drive and talent. The and her team of caring HomeCare in people Weama has assembled have professionals are having Edmond and accomplished some incredible things always putting putting their their clients' clients' needs— needs— an amazing voyage by always Norman and happiness—first. of joys and tears with clients—with many A Fantastic Voyage more to come.

Always moving ahead, Weama opened her second SYNERGY beyond Edmond Edmond and and Oklahoma Oklahoma City.

City. One One beyond HomeCare location in late 2016 in of the most essential guidelines in opening of the most essential guidelines in opening Norman, Oklahoma. This enabled the new new location location has has been been to to duplicate duplicate the the the the company to reach and connect Higher Higher Standard of Care that SYNERGY with clients across a larger area, going HomeCare practices. practices. (Read (Read more more on on what what HomeCare this standard entails on pages 10 and 11.) this standard entails on pages 10 and 11.)

Caring for for families families impacted impacted by by age age Caring or illness illness or Besides being being able able to to cover cover aa larger larger area area Besides of senior residences, SYNERGY’ s Norman of senior residences, SYNERGY’s Norman location is is just just two two miles miles from from the the Norman Norman location Regional HealthPlex HealthPlex and and the the McBride McBride Regional Orthopedic Hospital Hospital Clinic.

Clinic. When When seniors seniors Orthopedic return home from a hospital stay, nearly return home from a hospital stay, nearly one-fifth of of them them are are rehospitalized rehospitalized one-fifth within 30 30 days days of of being being discharged. discharged. within SYNERGY is is ready ready to to help help with with making making SYNERGY sure seniors comply with prescribed sure seniors comply with prescribed discharge plans. plans. This This helps helps avoid avoid discharge readmissions to to the the hospital. hospital. Read Read more more he SYNERGY staff readmissions about “The Faces of SYNERGY” and their about works together to amazing team team on on page page 10.

10. amazing create an atmosphere

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of care and respect for their clients.

Read more about SYNERGY HomeCare and their team of caring professionals on pages 10 & 11, 34 & 35.

Serving OKC, Edmond, Moore, Norman and the greater metro area 66

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The Faces of

SYNERGY

by Anne M. Richardson

SYNERGY HomeCare’s compassionate, skilled team is comprised of many faces... in the office and in the field, they cohesively work together to connect and care for each individual. From the CEO, Weama Kassem, to the screened caregivers in the client’s home, each role is an essential part of making a significant impact on clients and their families. They know that caring relationships are the heart of their service.

In-home care comes in all shapes and sizes so to speak. Sometimes it may be just a little help with daily activities like meal preparation, running errands or a little social time with a caring person. These services can provide comfort and peace of mind. Some higher levels of care might require live-in care or personal assistance like bathing and dressing.

Services like these are especially helpful for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

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Whatever the level of care needed, SYNERGY HomeCare will begin with an initial in-home assessment conducted by one of their RNs. Based on this, a customized care plan is created with the family’s and client’s input. SYNERGY’s team uses this to determine what type of caregiver, care and schedule fits best.

This care plan could include a variety of services, allowing the family, the client and professionals the chance to work together to ensure the best way to proceed.

© OKLAHOMA SENIOR JOURNAL 2018-19

Some of the most common services of SYNERGY HomeCare include: • help with bathing, dressing and wheelchair transfers • meal planning and preparations • standby assistance with morning and evening routines • medication reminders • emotional support, social interaction • schedule planning, encouragement for social activities or light exercise • light housekeeping, linen changing • errands and incidental transportation SYNERGY’s Types of Caregivers All SYNERGY caregivers are either a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or a Certified Home Health Aide (CHHA)—or both. To earn their credentials, CHHA’s must complete nearly 100 hours of training or more, demonstrate skills, and pass a written exam. CNA’s must complete a stateapproved training program and exam as well.

What does a ‘Higher Standard of Care’ really mean?

SYNERGY is proud to say they do

not use contracted caregivers, all are employees who must complete SYNERGY’s in-house training after hire, along with continued monthly and quarterly training programs.

This ensures not only qualified, skilled caregivers but it strengthens the team support and bonds within the company.

“ We look at our caregivers as

couriers of compassion to those who need it. ”

Charlotte Carey, Administrator

SYNERGY has two full-time and two part-time registered nurses (RNs.) One of their RNs maintains each client’s profile, does quality visits to make sure there isn’t a significant change in condition, and reassesses the care plan to determine if it is still viable.

These are just a couple of ways that SYNERGY HomeCare’s management team is working behind the scenes to guarantee the clients and their families are receiving the best care in home. continued to page 34

Opposite page: Part of SYNERGY’s team that create a powerful force for good! (bottom to top) Weama Kassem, CEO; Lisa Tippeconnic HR/Scheduling Director; Charlotte Carey, Administrator; Abbey Trammell Director of Business Development

Below: Just a few of the SYNERGY team members at your service!

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continued FROM page 11

What makes Synergy the best choice for your family?

• Telephone access to management 24 hours a day, 7 days a week • 24-hour availability • Our Promise TeamTM can be there within TWO HOURS! • Supervising RNs on staff • Caregivers are W2 employees, not contracted • One of Oklahoma's largest care providers to Veterans Weama visits with Benjamin, a veteran and SYNERGY HomeCare client for 3+ years. His caregiver, Julia, loves visiting him. As a caregiver of 12 years, Julia calls it her passion to make her clients feel comfortable, safe and appreciated.

Ready to help when the need arises SYNERGY HomeCare is the only home care company that provides a 2-Hour Promise Team™, which means a team member with appropriate certification can arrive at the client’s home or location within needed location within 2 hours.

Serving & Honoring Our Veterans SYNERGY HomeCare is one of the largest approved providers with the Veterans’ Administration. When an initial assessment for a client is being done at their home, one of the first questions is “are you a veteran?”

• Complimentary care assessments • No minimum hour requirement • No contracts... just care

Sometimes a client may not be aware of eligibility for benefits—SYNERGY is very knowledgeable and ready to help anyone explore possible benefits for them or a spouse.

Respite Care for family caregivers A family member may serve as a caregiver, but needs a little help to maintain their own activities.

SYNERGY HomeCare makes it part of their mission to meet the needs of a client and their family, too! Providing respite care means that family caregivers can take a few hours or a few days to recoup time for themselves without worry about their loved one.

Serving OKC, Edmond, Moore, Norman and the greater metro area

Call Today for Your COMPLIMENTARY, No Obligation In-Home Consultation and Care Assessment NORMAN 1272 N. Interstate Drive, Norman, OK 73072

405-701-0791

SYNERGYHomeCareNorman.com

Our Offices

EDMOND 13720 N. Bryant Avenue, Edmond, OK 73013

405-254-3046

SYNERGYHomeCareEdmond.com Follow us on Facebook and twitter

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“ Caring for people and providing hospitality are my natural passions... ”

Weama Kassem, CEO

Connecting with Community Weama’s compassion and drive has made her company a top resource for referrals when assistance is needed. SYNERGY HomeCare has become a leading non-medical provider of choice in the community for several home health and hospice companies.

Serving people what SYNERGY HomeCare does every day, from a few hours to full time. With over 100 caregivers and five years in business, the team stands ready to answer specific questions about care. Call the location nearest you today.

ASK QUESTIONS!

Whether you are a senior living on your own, with an aging spouse, or you have an aging parent here are some things to keep in mind when choosing home care: • Is the home care company licensed by the state? (companies are reviewed annually to determine eligibility.)

• Is the initial assessment FREE of CHARGE? (Be aware there is no statemandated fee as some would infer.)

• Are caregivers employed by the company? (instead of contract labor) • Does the provider include the client and family members in developing the plan of care?

• Can they provide a list of references?

SYNERGY HomeCare answers YES to all of these!

Community Connections Nestled within a friendly established neighborhood in Oklahoma City, each Redhaven Care Home is a place for residents to enjoy and call their own. We pride ourselves on enhancing the quality of life for every resident so you can age-inplace comfortably and luxuriously.

SYNERGY HomeCare is proud to be the HomeCare provider of choice for Redhaven Care Homes.

• Family environment / noninstitutional • Maximize your independence

• Meals cooked to order three times daily • Personal care / companionship • Convenient location

• All-inclusive room and board rates • The finest of care coordinated with SYNERGY HomeCare

5 to 1 Resident to Caregiver Ratio!

CALL US TODAY to see the future of senior living (405) 657-4003 redhavencarehomes.com © OKLAHOMA SENIOR JOURNAL 2018-19 © OKLAHOMA SENIOR JOURNAL 2018-19

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