Synergy HomeCare of Barrington strives to provide an unparalleled level of at-home care, and they are truly grateful when their clients help spread the word about their exceptional services. One such client is speaking up to share a message of gratitude for the care Synergy provided to her aunt, the late Peggy Grigsby Richards, who is well known and loved for her priceless contributions to conservation efforts in Barrington.
When Sandy Grigsby Rodgers along with her sister, Chris Grigsby Murata, realized that their aunt would benefit from receiving home-based care, they began asking asking for recommendations. As residents of New Hampshire and Colorado, the sisters were unable to assume the role of primary caregivers for their aunt, but wanted to ensure that she was cared for with great skill, dignity and respect.
Sandy had heard positive feedback from a friend about Synergy HomeCare, a Barrington-based provider of non-medical, at-home care to seniors, individuals with disabilities and anyone who might benefit from their services. From cooking meals to reading together to friendly conversation, Synergy’s caregivers truly become companions to those in their care. That’s just what Sandy and her sister wanted for their aunt. “We also liked that Synergy is a Barrington business. You want local, area people, especially since we live out of state.”
Sandy contacted Anne Adams, Synergy’s director, to learn more about the services they provide. “She was very kind and businesslike, and gave me a good sense that they could meet Aunt Peggy’s needs.” Sandy and Chris agreed to move forward with locating a Synergy caregiver match. Sandy knew she needed to find just the right fit for her aunt’s personality.
“Aunt Peggy was a fiercely, wonderfully independent woman,” Sandy recalls. “At 98 years old, she still gardened and played golf and bridge.”
Peggy’s caregivers would need to strike the right balance of respect for her independence and responsiveness to her growing needs.
Peggy’s nieces wanted caregivers with her around the clock. “We needed two caregivers, each working a twelve-hour shift,” Sandy says. Anne worked with Synergy’s human resources team – lead by Lisa Babusch, Synergy’s Human Resource manager – to find the perfect matches.
Sandy flew out to meet the caregivers before they began working with her Aunt Peggy. “They were both very kind, but I wanted one person replaced. It just wasn’t the right fit.” Anne immediately found a replacement among Synergy’s thoroughly screened, highly qualified caregivers.
This time everything jelled: “The two women were both so caring and patient. They just doted on her.” Sandy felt confident that she could return to her home and commitments in New Hampshire, knowing that her aunt’s care was in capable hands.
When it came time for Peggy Grigsby Richards to receive in-home hospice care, her Synergy caregivers remained with her. “They worked really well with the hospice nurse,” Sandy recalls. “Anne also attended her funeral, which was very kind.”
“It was a very challenging time, but it was a positive experience because of Anne,” Sandy says. “Everyone cooperated really well and Synergy helped Peggy make the journey in a dignified way.”
Peggy Grigsby Richards’ legacy remains strong in Barrington. Her father, B.J. Grigsby, purchased the family’s Barrington Hills farm in 1932. After his passing, Peggy chose to preserve the farmland as open space and transferred the property to Citizens for Conservation in seven land donations between 1980 and 2012.
Today, birdwatchers, hikers, and nature lovers often frequent Peggy’s family’s property, which Citizens for Conservation has pledged to preserve for future generations. (You can read more about Peggy’s legacy here in Citizens for Conservation’s spring 2013 newsletter.)
If you have any questions about how Synergy HomeCare might be of service to you or a loved one, please feel free to call owner Diego Uribe or director Anne Adams at 847-304-0123. They provide home-based, non-medical care by connecting clients with dependable, highly-trained caregivers. Their team is equipped to deliver everything from short-term care following a medical event, to long-term care on an ongoing basis.
To read more about the reasons Synergy’s owners opened their business in Barrington, CLICK HERE. To learn more about the services they provide, CLICK HERE to follow their Facebook page or visit their website at synergyhomecare.com/agencies/il/barrington/il01/.
