BUSINESS BIO

Home Helpers, rated No. 1 in senior care by Entrepreneur magazine in 2006 and 2007, was established in St. Louis five years ago and was purchased by Julie Bracewell who has had years of experience managing both home health care and daycare. Julie said, “I decided Home Helpers was the best fit for me because we can offer services for all ages.”

From the bottom row, left to right. Julie Bracewell, Owner; Denise Denton, R.N. BSN , Case Manager; Nicole Shelledy, Office Manager and Tracie Cady, Mobile Hair Stylist.

While volunteering in nursing homes as a teen, Julie experienced firsthand the loneliness some seniors endured in nursing homes.

“I realized that no matter how old we are, we share the same childhood dreams, loves and desires,” Julie said. “Our bodies may change, but the soul remains the same.

“I can now give back to a generation that has given us so much. Home Helpers has given me the opportunity to combine my 20 years experience into my one love – caring for others of all ages.

“I only hire experienced caregivers who have proven they are personally concerned, caring and reliable. They are hired because they have a love in their heart to care for others.  Many are volunteers in their church and community,” Julie said.

Home Helpers focuses on the entire family. There is no charge for assisting more than one person in the home, and a licensed social worker is available for free counseling services to family members.

They network with many providers who also provide similar services in order to make sure all of their client’s needs are met.  Also provided is an online eldercare support group that meets monthly so that family caregivers can reach out to others in a professional facilitated group.

Julie said, “I realized there is such a need out there for the family caregivers whose lives are changed when their role becomes the caregiver for their own parents or senior relative.  Many have to quit their jobs, give up their privacy and feel isolated in the situation they are in.  After spending so much time counseling families by phone we decided that a support group would help so that family caregivers can share ideas, give each other tips and feel better knowing they are not the only ones going through these life changes

“I feel blessed to be able to provide the compassionate care so many people need and deserve in order to remain as independent as possible in their home, wherever that may be.”