Sponsor of The Month

Maria Smietana — Editor-in-Chief

Parents of children with physical and medical challenges are all too familiar with how difficult and expensive it can be to create a home environment that is safe and accessible. That was the case for Jackie and CJ Bodwell, whose second child, Amelia, was born with a rare chromosome deletion that causes global developmental delay, visual impairment, low tone, ataxia, and apraxia, among other medical problems.

Childhood sweethearts Jackie and CJ grew up in Connersville, IN, and went to IU together, where he earned a business degree from the Kelley School of Business and she completed her BS in respiratory therapy. They married after graduation and moved to Indianapolis, where Carter (19), Amelia (17), and Ainsley (14), were born.

“When the children were young, we made the decision to move back to Connersville to be closer to our families and raise the children in a small town,” Jackie said. “Though we miss some of the amenities of a larger city, the support that a small town gives us is amazing.”

When Amelia began growing out of the specialized baby and toddler equipment that facilitated everything from eating to mobility, the family started to struggle with her daily routines. “It was hard to find something that fit her,” Jackie recalled, “and oftentimes, when we did find something, it was quite expensive. That is when we began brainstorming.” CJ was a business owner and Jackie worked at Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, so with his business background and her medical experience, they came up with a business platform and then decided to launch Specialized Home Care Services.

“We are a provider under Medicaid and the Indiana Medicaid waiver,” CJ said. “We make homes accessible and safe for individuals with physical limitations. Some examples of home safety installations are ramps, walk-in soaker tubs, roll-in showers, grab bars and ADA toilets. We also provide equipment and tools for individuals with developmental delays, sensory disorders, gross motor, fine motor, and visual impairments so they are able to overcome their obstacles and live their best life.”

“We wanted to help families out there that have the same struggles we have,” Jackie added. “Individuals with special needs are meant to be celebrated and supported. We are humbled every day to be able to share our knowledge and services with families like ours.”

The Bodwells agree that the biggest thing that sets Specialized Home Care Services apart from other companies is AMELIA. “If you know her, you understand,” Jackie said. “We don’t just clock in and out of work. When we are working, we are reminded of Amelia every time we talk to the individuals or families we are providing a service for. Because of this, we are able to bring personal insight to the challenges of our clients.”

CJ and Jackie encourage others in the special needs community to find people who will love and support them. “Whether you have a child that was born with an issue, are the child of a parent with physical limitations, or have a loved one in your life with special challenges, you are never alone. It is the differences that make us stronger.”

Since Amelia has a service dog through ICAN DOG, the Bodwells give back to the community by attending most of the organization’s fundraising events. Other than that, they are fine with being home bodies when they aren’t working. “We built a home that is accessible for Amelia, and also our aging parents, should they ever need to [move in with us],” Jackie said. “We often host family and friends here.”

Business Contact Information

Specialized Home Care Services

(317) 538-3737

www.specialized4u.com

Specializedhomecareservices @gmail.com