Payson Roundup

Tedi Flake

As people get older or face illnesses, they are often not able to keep up a household. From dishes to laundry to cooking a meal, it can all seem overwhelming.

Some senior citizens are lucky enough to have family care for them, but even family members often need a short break.

This is when the caregivers at a Caring Presence, non-medical in-home care step in.

Caregivers, like supervisor Tedi Flake, help the elderly remain independent and stress free in their homes.

“Our goal is to help them so they don’t have to move from the homes they love,” Flake said.

Based on clients needs, caregivers provide services such as transportation, light housekeeping, meal preparation, personal care, laundry, respite care and most importantly companionship. Caregivers do not, however, provide medical care.

Clients are billed $18 per hour, with a two-hour minimum.

For some clients, they request care every day, while others only need help once a week. Flake meets with clients to determine the level of care needed.

In Payson, Caring Presence has five caregivers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

All caregivers are bonded, insured, trained in CPR and first aid, tuberculosis tested, background checked and regularly screened for drugs and alcohol.

The Caring Presence came to Payson in August after the Good Samaritan-Majestic Rim offered office space in their facility. Along with providing care to residents at the Majestic Rim, caregivers service all of Payson and the Rim Country. The Caring Presence also offers services in Cottonwood, Prescott, Lake Havasu City, Bullhead City and Kingman.

Even though Flake has only worked with the company for a few months, she said the experience of helping others has been quite rewarding.

Flake explained her first client was a woman living at the Majestic Rim. Every morning, she would help the woman get out of bed, shower, dress and eat breakfast. Spending every morning with the woman was a great way to start the day, Flake said.

“She was the most amazing person,” Flake said. “When you serve people you develop a love for them.”

For more information, call (928) 468-0600.