Hurricane Caregivers: Assisting Hands Naples Go Above and Beyond

While many of us watch the devastation of Hurricane Irma unfold on television and online, Assisting Hands Home Care franchise owners in the state of Florida are experiencing it first hand. We reached out to our Family of Franchise Owners to see how they were doing, and we are amazed by their responses. This is the first post in a series on the Florida offices and the staff members that gave back.

Tricia Winiecki, owner and president of Assisting Hands Home Care Naples sent us this update:

“We are doing well and for the most part suffered minimal damages.  Many are still without power, water and phone service but our community is working hard to rebuild as quickly as possible.  FEMA, Salvation Army, The Red Cross, and the US Army are all here helping which is really awesome to see!”

Winiecki shared the incredible stories of caregivers who endured less than ideal conditions to assist their clients. 

“We had 15 caregivers that stayed with clients in their homes and special needs shelters. A few were even evacuated with their clients out of town or to other facilities as the predicted storm surge worsened. These caregivers were amazing in the care they provided and the conditions they tolerated – some sleeping on blow-up mattresses or the floor, no electricity, blazing heat, crowded conditions, etc.  As of today, we still have one client that was evacuated to Orlando with a caregiver and not able to come home as of yet. They have been gone for 13 days and probably won’t be allowed to come home for at least another week. The dedication these caregivers have shown has been inspiring and heartwarming to say the least! We are lucky to have them.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Florida.