A SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION FEATURING MIDDLE GEORGIA BUSINESS LEADERS AND WHAT INSPIRES THEM. PHOTOGRAPY BY JESSICA WHITLEY.

Alishia Futch and Beth Knaus, sales representatives

2370 Vineville Ave., Macon

478-394-4672

www.interimhealthcare.com/centralga/

What is the mission of Interim Healthcare?

Our mission is to improve people’s lives by delivering the “best care.” Every decision should start with a question. Our goal is to deliver the “best care” while implementing integrity, compassion, customer focus, innovation and financial responsibility.

How does Interim serve the community inclusively?

Our goal is to help our clients from different economic backgrounds by accepting Medicaid Waiver Programs, Long Term Care Insurance, VA and Private Pay. This allows us to assist a diverse group of people. We also allow clients to choose shorter shifts with a minimum of three hours at a time. This allows our clients on limited or fixed incomes to receive assistance more often. We also pride ourselves on the fact that our clients are not strictly elderly, but those with mental and physical handicaps who need help.

What is the most gratifying part of your job?

It is extremely gratifying to help a client stay in their home. During this difficult time, it is important to give our clients and families a sense of comfort and security. Being home is the most comforting place for most of us rather than an unknown atmosphere such as a hospital or a facility.

How do you define success?

I believe success is having the trust and respect of our clients because you have delivered the best care. The best compliment is a referral to a friend. It is also important to contribute to a successful company and earn the respect of your co-workers.

What sets your business apart?

We are set apart from our competitors by delivering the best care with highly trained caregivers with compassion and professionalism. Our staff works with each family to develop a unique care plan and schedule that works for them to better improve their life and home environment.

How did your business shift during COVID-19?

While COVID-19 has been a challenging time for all of us, including Interim, we never missed a beat. We conducted daily Zoom meetings with our staff to make sure we could continue to conduct business as seamlessly as possible. It was important to make sure our caregivers were trained appropriately to address the situation, and supplied all equipment to keep them safe and healthy. Our business is typically working with clients in their home, so it was important to help them feel secure while still meeting their needs.

What can Macon do to better support businesses now?

Macon has done a great job supporting small businesses in the community by advertising different small businesses and encouraging everyone to support them in any way they can. I think they could highlight businesses that are open and aiding our community while practicing safe social distancing. Many thought we were closed during COVID-19, so it was our job to get the word out as much as possible that we are still taking care of loved ones while taking all safety precautions as possible.

What’s the most difficult part?

The most difficult part of our job is when one of our clients pass away. Our caregivers and staff members feel like they are an extension of the family. We work hard to not only provide excellent care, but also build a relationship with them. It is also challenging to get calls from what I call, those on the bubble. Our clients consist of private pay and Medicaid. Many clients who would benefit from our services can’t afford private pay but do not qualify for Medicaid. Currently, Medicare does not pay for our services. 

What is the most common question you receive?

The most common question we have received quite often would be, if we provide 24-hour care or, in other words, around-the-clock care? Our answer to any potential client or family member would be absolutely yes.

Any advice for those seeking to get started in your field of business?

The advice I would also give is to know the people and the community you are trying to market or sale your business to. Getting to know them individually gives you a better chance of making a great first start or impression.

What makes you a strong leader?

I believe to be a strong leader you need to lead by example. It is important to treat everyone with respect. If you are working with a co-worker, a client or a referral source, everyone is equal. Be approachable and earn the trust of others, rather than trying to be “the boss,” and you will earn respect as a leader. It is also important to be a team player and be willing to step into other roles to help the company as a whole.

What are you most excited about right now in our community?

People are becoming more aware about COVID-19 and they are learning to take all the necessary safety precautions to remain safe.

You might be surprised that:

We are open 24/7 and we accept Private Pay, VA, Long Term Care Insurance, Medicaid Wavier and we also do staffing.

What is the best business advice you have ever received?

The best advice in business and life I have ever received is: “Trust is earned, not given.” If you earn the trust of your community, peers and clients, you will have a successful business. We want the name Interim to be known in our community as the best in our field. In order to do this, we must earn trust by providing the best care and treating our clients with respect.