Business Style
Synergy HomeCare Where Clients are Family By Mia Azizah
Family is the foundation of who we are and where we come from. Family memories of walking, talking, and laughing with grandparents inspired Nebraska native Ron Riggle and his wife, Kim, to start Synergy HomeCare five years ago. Synergy HomeCare is an independently owned, non-medical, in-home care agency that serves Lincoln and surrounding communities in southeastern Nebraska. Ron, who retired from the technology industry, is grateful for the opportunity to combine his IT expertise with his passion for helping others. Kim, who worked with a non-profit organization, brings the same passion and commitment. Their philosophy in leading Synergy HomeCare is to support family and the community. They provide high-quality, compassionate care with integrity. The agency’s mission is to provide people of all ages and conditions the assistance they need to be able to flourish in their environment. Through the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Medicaid Waiver Program, Synergy HomeCare is authorized to provide care to people who need assistance in their day-to-day activities in order to remain safe and independent in their homes. The company is also approved to provide care for our nations disabled veterans through the US Veterans Administration and works with all long term care insurance companies, and with private pay. People in all communities face obstacles that they can’t overcome without help, and the team at Synergy HomeCare is ready to provide assistance. Some of their services include memory care, post-surgical recovery care, child care, hospice care, respite care, new mom assistance, and elder care. In many cases, people who can no longer live safely on their own have a family member as their primary caregiver. These caregivers need support, too. Synergy HomeCare provides respite care so caregivers can take the breaks they need to restore energy, relieve stress, and regain balance. For clients who are fairly independent but need help around the house or with running errands, Synergy HomeCare can do laundry or light housekeeping, meal preparation, and grocery shopping. The agency also offers more personal care, like bathing and dressing. “This incredible type of service calls for incredible staff members,” Ron says, and his staff members fit the bill. Caregivers are experienced and well-trained. The caregivers check on their clients frequently to ensure their well-being, and they communicate with clients’ family members about any health updates. Caregivers have a cell phone with software technology which helps give reinsurance, to Ron, and the families, that each caregiver arrives at a client’s home at the assigned time. What differentiates Synergy HomeCare from other 12
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organizations in the field is its focus on the personal visit and conversation that matches caregivers with Ron and Kim Riggle clients. This process is not based just on Owners of Synergy HomeCare the services needed but also on personality. Small details make a difference, Ron advises. “We aren’t just a staffing agency. We want to match our clients with caregivers who can help them retain independence and meet their needs,” he says. Hiring is highly selective; Synergy HomeCare hires just one out of every 10 applicants and does both federal and local background checks. The company takes pride in its rigorous employee screening process. It also offers its employees opportunities to take part in ongoing paid training and continuing education classes for professional development. Caregivers complete an assessment that delves into their lifestyle and day-to-day habits. Questions include whether a they smoke, language preferences, and other types of wants and needs. The agency also does phone and face-to-face interviews for an in-depth assessment and quality match. Caregivers at Synergy HomeCare have always maintained good health practices, but things look a little different these days. Each caregiver is adequately equipped with the necessary masks and sanitizers before entering a client’s home. The agency also follows CDC health guidelines and protocols to maximize safety for both the caregiver and the client. Despite pandemic challenges, Synergy HomeCare continues to provide high-quality service—and their services are more important than ever. Many people are currently facing increased isolation and the health problems it can bring. Ron recalls a client who became happier and healthier after visits from a Synergy HomeCare caregiver. “There are a lot of folks who need help, and we are here for them,” Ron says. If you are looking for a care agency that values a personal approach and is dedicated to helping families, look no further. Synergy HomeCare is an affordable, high-quality choice for your family’s needs. To learn more, go to synergyhomecare.com/Lincoln or call 402-261-2067.
