Angels on Call, Ltd.

We Bring Living Assistance Home

We Bring Living Assistance Home

We are Angels on Call

Angels on Call is an independently owned home care service provider. We are not a franchise. We feel this allows us to provide better care at a better value. Often, franchises are limited in their scope of services or their ability to respond to specific market needs or concerns.

Most franchises are required to pay a percentage of their sales to the home office in the form of monthly franchise fees. That cost is ultimately passed onto the client in the form of higher fees or passed to the caregiver in the form of lower wages

Instead of paying franchise fees, we use that money to hire the best caregivers available and provide them with excellent compensation that includes performance bonuses, profit sharing, advancement potential and educational opportunities. We believe if we take care of our employees, we will reduce turnover and ultimately provide better care to those in need.

Our management team lives in the communities we serve, so the decision makers are local and can respond quickly to the needs of our customers and our employees. This flexibility promises to provide you with the best quality care at the best value. When a problem does arise, key decision makers are close by to listen closely and to resolve the issue quickly.

Angels on Call is…

Faith, Family, and life enriching employment

Life is relationships,

Angels on Call builds great relationships…

Our unique service has established our place in this industry. This allows us to make a distinctive, positive, substantial impact for our clients.

Whether you need care 1 hour or 24 hours a day, short term or long term, your satisfaction is our priority. We realize each client has unique needs. We create our schedule to work around your requirements. We will create an Individualized Plan of Care, with the help of the client (or family), and then follow through with our promises. That is how we provide you with the right care and companionship without compromise.

We build great relationships with the client and their family members

Monitoring of health status, and recognition and reporting of health changes

Frequent status reports and updates to necessary family members

Recognition of signs and symptoms of specific diseases

Meal Preparation, Home style cooking, and eating supervision

Fall prevention plans and ambulation assistance

General Care and Supervision Menu Planning

Companionship and Conversation

Bathing and Showering self grooming care

Special Diet/Meal Planning Eating Assistance

Personal Grooming and Skin Care Cleaning

Incontinence Care and Toileting

Dressing Assistance

Grocery Shopping

Walking and Transferring

Pill Box Set up, Medication Reminders and supervision

Home Exercises for chronic diseases such as Parkinsons, Multiple Sclerosis, strokes, etc.

Other services include, but are not limited to: Transportation, Doctor Appointments, Daily Check-In Service, Visiting Family and Friends, Home Safety Analysis, Shopping and Entertainment, Free Information and Personal Appointments, Referral Services, Hair and Beauty Salons, Errands, Housekeeping, Day Surgery Assistance, Sweeping and Vacuuming, Dusting and Tidying Rooms, Washing and Drying Dishes, Light Cleaning and Laundry, Changing Bed Linens, Maintaining a clean, comfortable and homey feeling through the use of atmosphere plants.

Additional Services       

• Client and Family Advocacy Program

When family members are admitted to the hospital for any reason it can be overwhelming for everyone involved, especially when things don’t go as well as expected. Unanswered questions and concerns make caring for loved ones even more difficult. Angels on Call will provide a medical professional, RN or Nurse Practitioner for you and your family to help you understand and make the best decisions regarding your medical care. This skilled professional will explain the medical issues, coordinate and advocate medical care and discharge planning.

• Home Safety Evaluations

Each year, thousands of older Americans fall at home. Many of them are seriously injured, and some are disabled. In 2001, more than 11,500 people over age 65 died because of falls. Falls are often due to hazards that are easy to overlook but easy to fix. We will evaluate your home, review our findings and offer remedies and repairs; keeping you safe is our top priority.

• Exercise and Strengthening Programs

We realize how important it is for older adults to maintain their strength and walking ability, and how devastating a fall can be. We will assist you with your physical therapy or rehab program or help you with a general exercise plan that is right for you, helping you maintain your strength and independence.

• Day Surgery Care and Companionship Program

As more and more of today’s surgeries, like cataracts, knee repairs and cardiac stress testing are performed in outpatient settings, the arrangements, transportation and scheduling can be overwhelming to the patient and family. Angels on Call provides complete day surgery care. You’re free to schedule when it’s convenient for you, not family or friends. Friends and family don’t need to take time off from work; we provide door to door service, and 24 hour reminders. It’s convenient, affordable and no hassle.

• Hospital to Home transition Program

A hospital admission can be very stressful. Being discharged before you feel well, can really strain your recovery and overwhelm you at home. Angels on Call will work with your discharge plan to continue your recuperation at home, assisting you in regaining your strength, health and independence.

• Concierge Services

In the corporate world, concierges are referred to as personal assistants, performing a wide range of “to do” tasks. For seniors and disabled individuals, these services are provided with a twist: to enrich their lives and maintain independent and dignified lifestyle as long as possible.

• Transportation Services

Transportation is a major obstacle for many seniors and disabled people trying to remain independent. Seniors need reliable, comfortable transportation and drivers who understand their needs and lifestyle. We offer a great program to seniors who need personalized and dedicated driving services.

• Travel Services

Many of today’s seniors have the wealth and time to travel the world, but not the health. We offer the traveling individual or couple a dedicated health care companion for trips and vacations.

• Relocation Services

Moving is always stressful, and it can be especially traumatic for someone leaving a home they’ve been in for decades. It can be especially difficult for family members who do not live locally. Angels on Call will guide families through the process of downsizing, packing, coordinating with movers, utilities, cleaning and other tasks including unpacking and reestablishing in their new home.

Online Employment Application


Caregiver training and skills

All employees are trained to the highest standards of home care skills, psychosocial support and appropriate medical and nursing skills. Nursing assistants certified through the state are trained according Angels on Call standards of care.

Welcome to Angels on Call, a leader in quality and customer service in home care for seniors and the disabled. We provide Caregivers on a (24) hour-a-day, (7) day-a-week, live-in or hourly basis to those individuals who can no longer care for themselves adequately. Our Caregivers assist these individuals with the activities of daily living such as; bathing, dressing, walking, eating, light housekeeping, etc., in the privacy of their own homes.

Angels on Call is…

Faith, Family, and life enriching employment…

Life is relationships,

Angels on Call builds great relationships…

Angels on Call will match you with a client that is suitable for both of you.  The relationships you develop are very important .  You will not be moved around on a weekly basis.  This helps to build trust, comfort, and quality care for everyone.

We offer our angels a “self scheduling” system supporting their work envirinment as well as their home.

Angels on Call has a “log in” system. You don’t have a time clock to punch in. We also work with you on scheduling your hours to fit your needs. Though we do ask that you have some flexibility with scheduling and emergency care.

Angels on Call is owned and operated by Registered Nurses and Nurse Practitioners who believe and support caregivers and the care they deliver.

Let us train you the “Angel’s Way” of Caregiving

* The educated caregiver series, Volume 1, 2, 3

* Challenges of Caregiving and daily routine

* Dealing with helplessness, anger, guilt and natural feelings

* Bed bath, oral hygiene, nail care, changing an occupied bed

* Observing for the warning signs of medical problems

* Home safety, Gait training, ambulation

* Personal touch Training, Paid client-caregiver training with new clients, Introduced and    directed by staff or another caregiver

* Caring for the visually and hearing impaired

* Effective and honest communication

* Understanding and monitoring medicines

* Avoiding medication mistakes

* Wound care

* Elderly nutrition, preparing and feeding

* Medication interactions

* Preventing wound ulcers

* Many other additional topics and skills

* Understanding spirituality

* Work “side by side” Registered nurses, who offer you support and training

Additional Training and skills videos:

How to stay safe and independent in your home, 2004

First Step, a Comprehensive Nurse’s Aide Training Program

The Complete Series; 1,2,3,4.

The Home Health Aide Training Manual, Kay Green, 1996

Instead of paying franchise fees, we use that money to hire the best caregivers available and provide them with excellent compensation, including performance bonuses, profit sharing, advancement potential, supplemental and Health insurance and educational opportunities.

If you are passionate about helping others and working in supportive environment with other health care professionals give us a call for information.

Francesca Albergato-Muterspaw Director of Operations
Email: mlawler@angelsoncallhomehealthcare.com

Kristie Lawler RN, MSN, CRNP

Mike Lawler RN, MSN, CRNP-BC


Printable Application
You can print this application and mail or fax to 717-715-8704.

Online Employment Application

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Q. What if the client has a change in condition that results in a need to interrupt or terminate services?

A. If the interruption in service is temporary, we suspend our services, then resume when conditions warrant after together we review the Plan of Care. If the interruption in service becomes long-term or permanent, the deposit is applied to any remaining unpaid services provided. If a balance remains, a refund payment is sent within 15 days.

Q. How long has Angels on Call been in business?

A. Angels on Call was formed in 2005.  The president, Mike has been in health care since 1997, starting out as a nurse aide while pursuing his nurse practitioner certification. While gaining experience in emergency medicine and pediatrics, Mike discovered a real passion for geriatrics. Through the patients Mike cared for, he learned to understand the need and patient desire for high quality home care enabling them to live at home safely and independently. It was this need that inspired Mike to start Angels on Call. Currently Mike practices Geriatric medicine at Masonic Village in Elizabethtown.

Kristie Lawler, certified registered nurse practitioner, is graduate of Lancaster General School of nursing, Millersville University and Widener University School of Nursing.  Kristie grew up in Newport, and excelled in her nursing studies. Kristie became concerned and passionate about elder care and needs through a family issue and her work at Harrisburg emergency department.  Kristie felt deeply connected to the Angels on Call mission and the high care delivery standards.

The owners and staff have over 20 years combined business and medical experience which provides the leadership and high quality medical care necessary to ensure superior service. Your satisfaction is guaranteed by us, personally.

Q. Are your Caregivers experienced?

A. We hire people that care because we believe you can’t train people to care. Typically, that means our Caregivers have a minimum of 1-2 years experience. Plus, we have a training program that is second to none to assure our clients receive the best care.

Q. Tell me about your training programs?

A. Our caregivers attend regular training developed and/or provided by medical and dental professionals. They include a Professor of Nursing, MSN who is also a doctoral candidate, Certified Critical Care Nurse, and a Certified Clinical Specialist in Medical- Surgical Nursing. Another RN has over 12 years EMT and Emergency Room experience and we also have a retired RN for additional support. We are also fortunate to have a dentist on staff that trains our Caregivers about proper dental hygiene for seniors.

Q. Why should I choose Angels on Call home health care instead of another agency?

A. We have a unique combination of capabilities and services that assure you or your loved one will receive safe, compassionate, and individualized care.

We regularly review the Plan of Care and suggest adjustments in order to maintain the proper level of care at the best value to you. It’s our promise of care and companionship without compromise. We think of employees like family. We treat them with value, dignity and respect, just as our clients deserve to be treated. While other companies pay high monthly franchise fees, we use that money to pay higher wages including performance bonuses, education programs and employee rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions about our Service

Q. How quickly can service begin?

A. We strive to begin as soon as possible, usually with in just a few days. However, it is more important we match you with an appropriate Caregiver based on your needs.

Q. Does insurance cover the cost of non-medical home care?

A. Typically, only long-term care insurance policies cover our services.

Q. Do you offer short term care?

A. Yes. Our goal is to provide “Care and Companionship without Compromise” Therefore, we are happy to respond to short term needs or provide respite care. We will work with you to develop a Plan of Care that meets your needs and is consistent with our service offerings.

Q. If two people in a household need care, is it twice the cost?

A. No, not typically. We will work with you to create an individualized Plan of Care that addresses the specific needs of each person. We will assess the level of care required and recommend the appropriate services and fee structure. There may be an opportunity to share certain services and thus help manage the cost.

Q. Will you provide care just during the week if the family provides care on the weekends?

A. Yes, we will always work around the family’s  schedule; in fact we encourage the family to remain actively involved with the care of their loved one(s).

Q. Will I have a chance to meet the Caregiver before they start?

A. We provide an introduction to our Caregiver as part of initiating our service. Our hiring and screening practices and our assessment procedures are designed to ensure a good fit between the client and Caregiver. Your satisfaction with the Caregiver is guaranteed through our Compatibility Guarantee.

Q. How do you bill and collect for services?

A. Typically, we collect a small deposit in order to initiate service. Then, actual services are billed as per the Plan of Care and the Client Service Agreement, on a biweekly basis. The deposit collected to initiate the service will be used for the client’s last week of service.

Q. How much do your services cost?

A. The prices for our services vary depending on the level of skill required, the hours and days of service, and the types of services required. We will work with you during our initial consultation to determine necessary services and associated fees.

Preventing Falls in the Home

Falls can occur at any age, but the rates of injury and death resulting from falls are greatest among seniors. This can happen because of changes in muscle and bone strength, vision, hearing, and coordination that take place with aging. Seniors are also more likely to have other health conditions and use more medications. These factors can affect balance and coordination. Falls can limit the ability to lead an active, independent life. But there are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of falls.

The following are guidelines you can use to make your home safer:

Bathroom:

* Apply non-skid appliques on tub and shower floors.

* Install grab bars in tub and around toilet. Consider a shower chair.

* Avoid throw rugs or tack rugs down securely with double sided tape.

* Keep bathroom well lighted.

All Areas:

* Contrast in paint, furniture and carpet colors is helpful.

* Ensure that stairways have sturdy handrails.

* Keep halls, stairways, and pathways well lighted and free of clutter and obstacles. Keep walk areas clear.

* Apply slip strips on the edges of steps to reduce slick stair surfaces.

* Remove throw rugs or tack down securely with double sided adhesive tape. Tape down carpet edges.

* Place electrical cords and telephone wires away from walking paths.

* Post emergency numbers at every telephone. Carry a portable phone.

Kitchen:

* Keep commonly used items within easy reach.

* Avoid using floor polish or wax to reduce slick surfaces on floors.

Bedroom:

* Keep a telephone and light within easy reach of the bed.

* Rise slowly from bed to sitting position. Dangle legs for a few minutes prior to standing and walking.

Outdoor Home Safety Measures:

* Keep walk areas clear of clutter, rocks and tools. Keep well lighted at night.

* Keep walkways clear of snow and ice.

* Make sure walkways are level, free of cracks, loose gravel, holes, and constructed with slip resistant materials.

Other Steps You Can Take To Reduce Your Risk Of A Fall:

* Have regular vision and hearing check-ups.

* Clean eye glasses often to improve visibility.

* Wear proper fitting, supportive shoes with low heels or rubber soles.

* A proper diet and moderate exercise are essential. Females need an adequate intake of calcium.

* Use walking aids when necessary.

* See your doctor for the diagnosis, management, and treatment of underlying diseases.

* Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of the medications you are taking.

Tips for Medication Safety:

1) Bring current prescription medications at least once a year to your

primary care doctor’s office and have them reviewed to verify that

each medication is still useful and appropriate, and to ensure that

the combination of medications is safe.

2) Store medications properly at home. Most people keep medications in

the bathroom medicine cabinet, where they can get damp and lose

potency. A dry place such as a kitchen cabinet or bedroom is a

better storage location as long as the medications are out of reach

of children or safely locked away.

3) Keep the appropriate medication in the correct bottle. Don’t mix

different medications in the same bottle to save space or for

traveling, for example.

4) Check medications several times a year to make sure they have not

expired.

5) Dispose of old and expired medications properly by flushing them down

a toilet. Don’t throw them in the trash where a child might find and

ingest them.

6) Develop a relationship with your local pharmacist to consult with

questions about the proper use of medications and possible drug

interactions. If you are using a mail order pharmacy, you can

consult with one of the pharmacists by phone.

7) For chronic conditions, find out if your benefit program offers a

mail order pharmacy for refills of medications used to treat them.

Mail service offers a number of attractive features for seniors, such

as:

* Safety. Because the mail service facility will have a record of

other prescriptions that you are taking, pharmacists can check

for potential drug interactions before a drug is dispensed.

* Cost savings. By ordering from mail service, seniors can

receive a 90-day supply of medications for treatments of

chronic conditions versus the typical 30-days supplied by local

retail pharmacies, thus saving money by having fewer co-pays

when prescriptions are filled.

* Convenience. Drugs can be ordered from the mail service

pharmacy by telephone, mail or online – a great convenience for

many seniors whose mobility may be limited.

Find out from your pharmacist or physician about the possibility of

taking generic drugs as opposed to brand-name drugs. A generic drug

that is deemed therapeutically equivalent to a brand-name drug may be

considerably more affordable.

9) Check with your health plan or pharmacy to see if they offer other

cost-saving opportunities such as discount cards for prescriptions or

over-the-counter medications at the local pharmacy.

10) Although it may appear to be an attractive way to save money, do not

order drugs from unknown Web sites. Order only from a Web site

through your own health plan or retail pharmacy that provides

password protection for its members. Unknown Internet pharmacies may

not be licensed or staffed by actual pharmacists, and there are no

guarantees that the medications will be effective, be the correct

dose, or even be the drug they are advertised to be.

Caregiver and Family tips:

1. Educate yourself about the disease. Read books, attend workshops and consult with healthcare professionals.
2. Learn caregiving techniques. Key areas are communication skills, safety concerns, and managing behavioral challenges and activities of daily living.
3. Understand the experience of your loved one. Adjust your expectations. Be patient and kind.
4. Avoid caregiver burnout. Make time for yourself. Join caregiver support groups. Pursue interests beyond your caregiving role, such as exercise, hobbies, journaling and art.
5. Maintain your own physical and mental health. Exercise, respite and other activities can reduce stress. Seek medical help if there are signs of depression.
6. Discuss the situation with family and friends. Support systems are critical.
7. Do cognitive stimulation activities with your loved one. Listening to music, word puzzles and memory games can easily be done at home.
8. Foster communication with physicians. Be involved in your loved one’s medical care. Ask questions about the progression of the disease, express concerns and discuss treatment options.
9. Take care of financial, legal and long-term care planning issues. Try to involve your loved one in decision-making, if they are still capable of providing input, and consider their wishes related to future care and end-of-life issues.
10. Smile. Kindness, humor and creativity are essential parts of caregiving. Hugs, hand massage and other gentle physical contact will help your loved one feel connected and loved.

Think positive. Focus on your loved one’s remaining strengths and enjoy your relationship while you are still able to.

American Association of Retired Persons

The US Administration on Aging (AoA)

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid

Alzheimer’s info and Tip Mifflin and Juniata County Office of Aging

American Academy of Nurse Practitioners

I may not be able to touch your face;

Though I see it every day.

And holding your hand is impossible

Ever since you passed away;

But memories of you remain here with me,

And they are followed by smiles and tears;

But I can move forward by looking back,

Because, as an “Angel”, you’re still here.

Shelly Messimer

DEATH – WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO EXPLAIN IT!!!!!

A sick man turned to his doctor,

as he was preparing to leave the examination room and said,
“Doctor, I am afraid to die.

Tell me what lies on the other side.”

Very quietly, the doctor said, “I don’t know.”

“You don’t know?

You, a Christian man, do not know what is on the other side?”

The doctor was holding the handle of the door;

on the other side came a sound of scratching and whining,

and as he opened the door,

a dog sprang into the room

and leaped on him with an eager show of gladness.

Turning to the patient, the doctor said,

“Did you notice my dog?

He’s never been in this room before.
He didn’t know what was inside.

He knew nothing except that his master was here,

and when the door opened, he sprang in without fear.

I know little of what is on the other side of death,

but I do know one thing..

I know my Master is there and that is enough.”

The following insertions were published in the local newspapers.

It’s so nice to have someone here that cares about me. My daughter has had other caregivers here before, but they all treated me like a patient. Joanne really gets me – who I am and what I like to do. Yes, she makes sure I take my medication. Yes, she makes sure that I eat right. But she does so much more with me. She doesn’t take me to the store, she shops with me. She doesn’t inform my doctor when there’s a problem, she knows when I’m not right, and does the right thing. She’s my friend, and she acts like my family. I wouldn’t trade her for anything.  D.A., Newport

Angels on Call and their “Angels” have gone above beyond my expectations in caring for my mother, thank you so much for bringing my mom home.  L.S., Newport

Thank you so much for the caregiver “Angels” for my mom, they really do care for her like family, sometimes better-thank you so much.” C.D., Duncannon

Since you started caring for my Dad he doesn’t seem as lonely and sad, he eats better and talks more with me, the pressure is off both of us with you there, thanks D.K., Liverpool

The support group is great! Lessa is our angel and she provides excellent service for our Mom and keeps us well informed. Family, Marysville

My sisters and I want to thank Angels on Call for bringing my Mom home from the hospital, there is no doubt in our minds she would have never left if it wasn’t for your help and your angel care. We can’t thank you enough. Sisters, Newport

Marge and Shelly have made it possible for me to stay in my own home after I came home from the hospital.  They are true Angels. R.S., Duncannon

It worked out great having Karen and Ashley in when we were away.  I relaxed and knew my Dad was being cared for.  Thanks so much.  Sue W.

Thanks to Angels on Call, I was finally able to get out of the house and see a football game.  It was the best time I had in several years.  Thanks Marge, Shelly and Joey.