Interview with AdvanCare owner Amy Frietas

Felicia Horton

Special to Village News

There are over 65,000 residents over 65 in the Temecula Valley, which is roughly 20% of the population. As people age, their needs change and their support system must be aware of these changes to maintain a high quality of life. For older adults, some of the most critical needs include socialization, access to health care, physical and mental stimulation and maintaining a sense of independence.

It's essential for caregivers and loved ones to be aware of these needs and to work together to ensure that older adults can live their best lives, even as they age. Some ways to meet these needs include regular social outings, frequent doctor visits, engaging in physical and mental activities and finding ways to support independence, such as mobility aids or home modifications. With the proper support and resources, older adults can lead fulfilling and happy lives well into their golden years in the comfort of their homes.

I sat down with Amy Frietas, the co-founder of AdvanCare, to discuss how in-home care allows older adults to age in place.

Felicia: Amy, thank you for taking time today to share your story and help our community better understand what in-home care entails.

Amy: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me.

F: My first question would be, "Why did you choose senior care?"

A: My journey started at 19 when my mother became terminally ill with brain cancer. This devastating news came when balancing college life, a part-time job and family life responsibilities were too new and stressful. I now faced the unique responsibilities of being my mother's caregiver while navigating the health care and support systems. Through this journey, I learned more about the caregiving process and was compelled with the passion to support others.

F: I am so sorry you had to go through that. Did you have an in-home caregiver assist you during this difficult time?

A: Unfortunately, we didn't have in-home care because we were unaware that companies like mine existed. We needed more resources, and because we were so new to this process, we needed to figure out where to seek help. That is one of the reasons we pride ourselves on being a resource for families.

F: You must have felt so alone.

A: I learned so much during that time of my life. It shaped me to be the person I am today.

F: How do you define In-home Care?

A: Personal care services are specifically designed to cater to the individual needs of seniors who require assistance with daily activities. These services promote independence, maintain personal hygiene and ensure a safe and comfortable living environment. Our services are provided to individuals who need help with various daily activities but wish to remain in the comfort of their own homes rather than move to a care facility. This care is commonly provided to seniors, people with disabilities or individuals recovering from illnesses or injuries.

F: What services do you offer the senior community?

A: Our full-service personal care plans provide seniors with services from four to 24 hours daily. These services include companionship, light housekeeping, medicine reminders, meal plans, bathing, oral hygiene, skincare, help getting dressed, exercise, incontinence assistance and cognitive care.

F: Can you break down the services you offer?

A: To break it down, AdvanCare offers Assistance with Activities of Daily Living. Specifically:

Personal care: Assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and eating.

Companionship: Social interaction and emotional support to combat loneliness and isolation.

Medication management: Helping individuals take their prescribed medications as directed by their health care providers.

Meal preparation: Planning and preparing nutritious meals to meet the person's dietary requirements.

Housekeeping: Light housekeeping tasks, such as tidying up living areas, laundry, and maintaining a clean and safe environment.

Mobility assistance: Helping with moving around the house, transferring from one place to another, and using mobility aids like walkers or wheelchairs.

Transportation: Assisting with attending medical appointments, running errands or engaging in social activities.

F: Wow! You do offer many services. You mentioned cognitive care. Please explain that.

A: Cognitive care focuses on providing specialized support and assistance to seniors experiencing cognitive impairments, such as dementia or Alzheimer's. We aim to enhance cognitive abilities, promote mental well-being and ensure a safe and nurturing environment for seniors with cognitive challenges. Our AdvanCare team also supports the Alzheimer's Association, and I am the raffle chair for the Walk to End Alzheimer's event Oct. 7, 2023.

F: That's a beautiful organization and a fun event. Is there anything else you offer that you may not have shared yet?

A: Our goal is to do all we can to help seniors age in place. We want to see seniors live out their lives in the comfort of their own homes, but we know that that is only sometimes possible. So we offer placement services free to the client to help them find the right community to fit their needs. This service includes scheduling tours to appropriate communities, scheduling the assessment, assisting with the admissions process and complimentary virtual and private tours to assist families in finding the perfect senior living options – all free to the families. We offer Travel Companionship and Palliative and Hospice support as well.

F: There is so much to Senior Care and Support. How can our readers reach you?

A: Our office number is 951-445-8582, and our email is [email protected]. We are heavily involved in the community through local chamber events, health fairs and our local senior centers, and we work closely with other companies that support the senior community.

F: Thank you, Amy. It has been a pleasure chatting with you.

A: Thank you. You as well.