Seattle-based Annie’s Nannies has been providing families with quality household staffing for 24 years, pioneering the nanny placement profession in the Northwest and raising the level of nanny professionalism to where it is today.
This past year, founder Annie Davis and her daughter and business partner, Suzanne Royer McCone, began providing a vital service to local seniors through their Companions for Seniors program. On-call companions are available on a daily basis to take clients to appointments, run errands, go out to lunch, pet sit, provide light housekeeping and meal preparation, assist with paying bills and, most importantly, offer companionship to those who need a dependable helper in their lives.
The idea for this type of service came to Davis as she observed her own parents aging process. Both in their 90’s, they remained in their home in Oregon until they passed away. They were able to do so largely because of the help of “companions” who assisted with grocery shopping, after her father could no longer drive, yard work, housecleaning and transportation to church.
“All those types of things allow you to stay in your home,” said Davis. “It’s less expensive, even if you pay someone $15 an hour, than assisted living. Plus it’s great having someone there for you and you’re not bothering your family.” On-call companions are not healthcare workers, but are available to attend medical appointments, often acting as an advocate for their client during these visits.
“I saw how beneficial this was to my parents and how they relied on this person,” she said. “It’s a great service and it certainly helps you to maintain your independence, which is the most important thing to many aging seniors. We can help them do that.”
Companions are compassionate, energetic, and have a strong desire to help others. They go through a rigorous application process and personal interview. References, criminal history and driving record are checked by staff.
Many of the companions Annie’s Nannies places with seniors are retired themselves, giving them the freedom in their schedules to assist in any way. They often enjoy just visiting with clients. Testimonial from clients on the company’s website attest to the importance of having a reliable friend and helper during what otherwise can be a lonely time in life.
For more information on the Companions for Seniors service through Annie’s Nannies, call (206) 784-8462 or visit www.anihouseholdstaffing.com
