Colchester, VT. (WCAX) – A more personal approach to home health care creates a change in the County of Chittenden. Starting a business is quite difficult, and the inhabitants say that starting a business in Vermont as a person of color is even more difficult. However, a Colchester couple’s mission is to challenge the chances.
When Wendy Freundlich’s mother Joyce developed dementia, she had trouble finding a goalkeeper to the task.
“The caregivers I found could not face his behavioral stuff,” said Freundlich.
Then Freundlich heard about Love home careA Home Health Health Care company. Their caregivers moved with Joyce, helping the basic needs and taking the time to know her.
“When she was all there, she said that everything she wanted was to watch movies and eat ice. Thus, the caregivers were able to do it. These caregivers connected with my mother in a loving way, ”said Freundlich.
Home care for loving is based on Ubuntu, an African philosophy emphasizing conviviality and the community. Abijah and Blandine Manga launched the company in 2016 after noticing a gap in quality care.
“They care more about their personal care, but not the emotional part,” said Abijah.
Despite the couple’s passion, the Vermont did not seem ready for them at the start. Manga, which comes from the Congo, says that he has suffered racial prejudices when he tries to get a commercial loan or speak to potential customers. “When we answer the phone, the first judgment made the accent. If they can’t even speak good English, could they take care of my parents, “he said.
Looking for support, the couple joined groups like Vermont professionals from Color Network. They put them into service with advice and advertising. Today, home care for Magnets provides non -medical care to 15 customers in assisted houses and living establishments. They also join the association of Africans living in Vermont to give jobs to immigrants.
Manga says they are always faced with discrimination – even among customers – but his team still leads with compassion. “I bring this touch of really it is someone who is close to my heart,” he said.
Freundlich finds peace knowing that his mother was so well maintained from her death in 2023. “It made my life so much better as I knew that she was as happy as I could have given the situation,” -He declared.
Home care plans to open a life center fully attended in Colchester in the coming years.
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