There are numerous benefits of home care compared to a residential care facility. One of the main benefits is comfort, but did you also know that another benefit is cost. Residential facilities can cost up to hundreds of dollars per day while home care can be an hourly cost. Another added perk that many people do not consider is your aging parent or relative will not have to give up their beloved pet.
Recently, we sat down with one of our members who work in the home care industry. We met with Bill Malizia of Sweet Pea Home Care to learn more about his business and it’s future, the industry, his background and why he chose My Annapolis Office.
Tell us about your company and what you do?
We provide families and elderly a service that allows aging in place. Sweet Pea Home Care provides services in Anne Arundel, Prince George’s, Howard, Baltimore, and Harford Counties. These services were designed to attain the optimum health of clients without requiring them to leave their own abodes.
Sweet Pea Home Care The types of services include 24-hour live-in care and hourly care as needed; Light Housekeeping, Daily Companionship and Care, Meal and Snack Preparation, Personal Hygiene, Medication Reminders, Transportation to Appointments, Errands, and Shopping, Fall Prevention and Safety, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Support
How did you get started in your industry?
I moved to Annapolis 3 years ago. When I retired from Philadelphia Parks & Recs, I thought I was done working. Little did I know that my next life chapter in retirement would mean becoming a business owner that helps the elderly to age in place. Studies find that people live longer when they live in their home- the goal of Sweet Pea Home Care is helping folks “staying at home having a beautiful life”.
I got started with my wife who is a caregiver. I learned about a need when I experienced this with my parents, and I saw what was happening with different agencies. I observed people falling through the cracks and knew I could help. When Swett Pea Home Care initially consults with clients, they meet with them in their home and they do a thorough walkthrough in order to fully observe daily routine, and how to meet safety and security. In some situations, some of the caregivers live in the client’s home so that they may continue to live in their homes.
What is something about your business that most people do not know?
We want people to know that this resource is here, that they can use it, and that aging in place exists and is a viable option. We know our caregivers, we have a provider pool that we can call upon if someone doesn’t show up to work. We call upon our own provider pool in order to find a great match for clients.
The people who do this work are the most amazing people. Everyone they care for has a different need and our approach is person-centered, we tailor supports to meet our client’s needs. Our caregivers are CNA’s who get on the job training. At this time Sweet Pea Home Care is paid via private pay.
Where do you see your business in 5 years?
We want to stay local in the next 5 years, we hope that more people will see that this is available to them. While we want to stay small, we are open to growing locally in other counties. Our core values are about connections and people; more than profit. We go the extra mile for clients and our staff, and we want to continue to have the capability on an on-going basis.
Tell me about yourself?
I am Retired from Philadelphia Parks & Recreation, I have a background in Real Estate – experience dealing with community, service, and management skill; my wife provides the caregiving skills and training for the providers.
When not working, what are you passionate about?
I have many avocations and areas of interest… I especially love lacrosse, find tiny homes, learning about technology, world affairs and politics.
What is your favorite place to eat and favorite dish?
My favorite place to eat in Annapolis is at the Annapolis Smokehouse Grill, where they have the best Rack of Ribs.
Why did you choose My Annapolis Office and how has working here helped your business?
I chose My Annapolis Office because I needed a good space for a Business Mailbox. I love how My Annapolis Office fosters a sense of community with events and a shared space location.