Q: What does your business do?
A: Initially, we did all nonmedical. I sent individuals to help people get bathed, dressed and run errands. We helped people maintain daily activities that they needed a little assistance with. After we got certified by Medicare, we were able to also provide skilled professionals.
Q: Tell me about the training school for nurse aides.
A: I knew there was a certain level of care we wanted to provide. We went to the state Department of Education, submitted a curriculum and were approved to train nursing assistants. So if you come here and successfully complete a 4-to-6-week training program, you can qualify for a job.
Q: The name: Pampering Plus?
A: When I started the business, I didn't want people to think, "I'm sick, I need help." I wanted us to be more of a pampering service, we wanted to come and make you feel good. We wanted to keep you safe at home.
Q: So what distinguishes you from similar companies?
A: One benefit is that I've been a nurse since 1995. I'm not just running a business. I know what it takes to provide quality care. You have to combine care and compassion.
Q: How many employees do you have?
A: We have more than 100, including part-timers. I would say about 30 percent were on public assistance, and the majority of those are nonmedical staff. We also have nurses, a physical therapist, occupational therapists and other care-givers.
Q: We read a lot of stories that home health aides work hard but don't make much money.
A: You're right, they're not the highest-paid individuals and they do have a very tough job. You have to hire the right individual. We screen and do background checks and when somebody is hired we try to incentivize them. We give bonuses for longevity. At the end of the day, [workers] have to know how important they are in the lives of our patients and that they're appreciated.
Q: You have different levels of pay based on the skills of the job?
A: For nonmedical, it starts at $8 an hour and for the skilled help it can be $50 to $70 an hour.
Email: hinkelm@phillynews.com
Phone: 215-854-2656
On Twitter: @MHinkelman
