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Laura Valadez saw a growing need in her community for home health care, particularly among Baby Boomers. It inspired the registered nurse to open SYNERGY HomeCare, the nation’s fastest-growing in-home care franchise.
U.S. Census statistics show that 10,000 Baby Boomers are turning 65 every day and that by 2030, there will be more than 70 million people older than 65. A recent AARP survey found that 75% of those 65 and older report they want to remain in their current residence for as long as possible.
Headquartered at 4020 N. 22nd St. No. 2 in McAllen, Valadez’s business serves residents of the Rio Grande Valley. SYNERGY HomeCare provides clients with a wide variety of non-medical care options, from companion care to personal care to specialized care for people with chronic health conditions or recovering from illness or surgery.
Valadez started her career working in emergency rooms providing lifesaving care to patients.
After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in nursing science from Grand Canyon University, she was quickly thrust into the toughest caregiving environment possible, as she handled most of the day-to-day activities of the HCA Gulf Coast Division-Rio Grande Regional Hospital Emergency Room. She administered and monitored vital treatments, medications and therapy sessions.
Valadez also spent the peak of the pandemic working in the Emergency Room, which further inspired her desire to provide care to those in need.
“Experiencing the devastating effects of COVID-19 firsthand was heart wrenching,” she said.
“It really put the importance of caregiving into perspective for me and bolstered my dedication to providing care and compassion.”
Due to her experience in the ER, Valadez was able to recognize the reality that the care process doesn’t end at the front doors of the hospital. Instead, it is an ongoing undertaking that requires hands-on, at-home management.
This insight, along with the encouraging input of her mother, who is also a caregiver, are what ultimately pushed Laura to take the leap into starting her own non-medical homecare agency.
SYNERGY HomeCare focuses on multiple types of in-home care. In addition to providing older people with assistance in maintaining their independence, Valadez also wants to provide childcare, backup care and assistance to expecting families.
Valadez said the majority of her clients lack a local support system and need to rely on caregivers for assistance cooking, shopping, running errands, light housekeeping or going for walks. Some even require personal care such as help bathing, dressing or using the toilet.
“Distance should not keep adult children from being in tune with their aging loved ones to help them maintain their quality of life while aging in place, something that can be accomplished through local inhome care,” she explained. “I feel that it is my duty to provide peace of mind to families and let them know that their loved ones are receiving the proper care, even if they aren’t currently in a hospital or facility.”
SYNERGY HomeCare is hiring. For information, visit https:// synergyhomecare.com/tx-northmcallen- 78504/ or call (956) 467-0086.
