Building a better business

Abiding HomeCare has only been in business a few years.

But the in-home senior care business is already getting praise and recognition throughout Western Washington.

Abiding HomeCare, located in Old Town Silverdale, has been selected as one of 12 finalists for the 2007 Better Business Bureau Business of the Year award for Western Washington.

“We’ve only been in business for about four years, so we’re pretty excited about the possibility (of being named Business of the Year),” said Carl Johnson, Abiding HomeCare spokesman.

Johnson said Abiding HomeCare was nominated for the award and received a packet in the mail. He then submitted a comprehensive portfolio describing how the business excels in four areas: ethics, customer service, community involvement and innovative business practices. Abiding HomeCare was named a finalist and Abiding HomeCare executive director Randy Hardin could not be happier.

“We’re excited, of course, and apprehensive,” Hardin said. “I’ve just always believed that as long as we do what’s best for our customers and their families, everything else would work out perfectly.”

Hardin and his wife, Jerrine, started Abiding HomeCare about four years ago. Hardin retired from the Navy after 30 years of service and the couple looked to own their own business.

“We did a lot of research and self study and senior care was not only where our hearts were, but there was a need in the community,” Hardin said.

Hardin and Johnson were close friends from church and Hardin asked his friend’s advice about his business venture.

“I laid out my plan and kind of asked him to cut my crazy idea to pieces and he didn’t,” Hardin said with a smile. “There are people who open businesses like this from scratch, I had no experience whatsoever.”

Abiding HomeCare is a licensed private in-home care business serving Kitsap County and parts of Jefferson and Mason counties. It provides seniors with services that allow them to remain independent and live in their own homes.

“As we get older, we have more and more challenges, but most seniors want to stay independent as long as possible,” Johnson said.

Abiding HomeCare employs about 60 trained companion aides to provide clients with caring companionship, meal planning and preparation, incidental transportation, shopping and errands, light housekeeping, medication reminders as well as bathing and grooming assistance.

Abiding HomeCare currently has between 50 and 60 clients. Johnson said Abiding HomeCare completes a background check and trains every companion aide to ensure their clients receive the best possible care.

“We do our own training so they do not have to come with prior experience,” Johnson said. “Everything we can think of to ensure our clients’ safety is paramount.”

Although the business tends to keep companion aides for a long period of time, Johnson said Abiding HomeCare is always looking for new companion aides to meet the growing number of clients in the county.

“We keep our companion aides long term, but that’s a reflection of how careful we are in the selection process,” Johnson said. “I know there are a lot of people in the community that have a caring personality and spirit.”

On Dec. 4, Hardin will travel to Seattle to take part in a 30-minute oral interview with a panel of judges. This, along with the comprehensive portfolio, will determine which business will be named the 2007 Business of the Year in Western Washington.

“I think it’ll be an interesting visit, I’m always passionate when talking about senior care,” Hardin said.

The Better Business Bureau will announce the 2007 Business of the Year award winners on Jan. 23, 2008.

“Let’s hope they say Abiding HomeCare,” Jerrine Hardin said.

Abiding HomeCare

3594 NW Byron Street,

Suite 205, Silverdale

(360) 692-6929

Toll-free: (877) 266-2856

Employment line: (360) 447-7380

www.abidinghomecare.com

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