By Mike FinneyDOVER — With the snip of a blue ribbon on Wednesday morning, JEVS Care at Home expanded support in the area so that more aging adults and people with disabilities can live independently at home.
The ribbon-cutting marked JEVS Care at Home’s expansion into Delaware, where the parent agency JEVS has long operated through its Financial Management Services division.
JEVS Care at Home’s (JCAH) new office is located at 1404 Forrest Ave., Suite 2B, in west Dover.
Cynthia Figueroa, president and CEO of JEVS Human Services — the nonprofit that operates JCAH — is excited about the operation’s expansion into Kent County.
“JEVS has been around for 85 years and for 15 years in the state of Delaware,” Figueroa shared. “We couldn’t be more thrilled to be here. We’re looking to further expand our relationship in the area, so we’re excited about that.
“JEVS Care at Home has been a tremendous leader in home care for decades, and I’m so proud that we are now able to offer these services in Delaware.”
Caregivers for the organization help older individuals and those living with disabilities with light housekeeping, meal preparation, laundry, shopping and errands.
They also provide personal care such as dressing, grooming, bathing and toileting.
The JEVS caregivers serve adults 18 and over, including seniors, people with a physical disability, and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Services are available at no cost to eligible veterans and Pennsylvania Medicaid participants.
Medicaid participants and veterans may be able to select a friend or family member to serve as their paid Family Caregiver.
Collin Willard, police advisor for Gov. Matt Meyer, attended the ribbon-cutting and was excited about the organization’s expansion into Kent County.
“We are a very fast-growing state here in Delaware; we are also an aging state here in Delaware,” Willard pointed out. “So that means having providers here in the state to offer these services to our populations and to meet those kinds of needs are really, really vital for communities across the state.
“Everybody in the room probably has loved ones that are aging and are having to have some tough conversations about aging in place, so having providers that can offer that flexibility is obviously very important.”
JEVS Care at Home Financial Management Services division makes it possible for clients to self-direct their own care by employing their caregivers directly while managing all aspects of their care, from selecting a caregiver to setting their weekly schedule.
Financial Management Services handles payroll, benefits, and other business services, so clients can focus their attention solely on their care.
Jeanne Kress, vice president of membership of the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, made the trip south to the capital city to celebrate JEVS Care at Home’s expansion.
“The New Castle County Chamber of Commerce proudly congratulates JEVS Care at Home on the opening of its new Dover facility,” Kress shared.
“This expansion strengthens access to non-medical home care, helping more Delawareans live independently and thrive. We’re excited to celebrate this milestone and its lasting impact on individuals, families and communities across our state.”
Katie Brooks, senior vice president of home care for JEVS Care at Home, is also excited about the organization’s expansion.
“This is about maintaining that independence and that dignity that you want to have, and we’re here to support you on whatever path you determine is right for you,” she stated.
Staff writer Mike Finney can be reached at 302-741-8230 or mfinney@iniusa.org.
