During lunchbreak at a Bay Area board-and-care home, an older woman named Marie invited her caregiver to sit beside her. The caregiver was Jowett San Miguel, who recently arrived from the Philippines. She was shy and spoke little English, so Marie offered to help her practice. “She patiently corrected me, encouraged me, and gave me confidence I didn't know I had,” Jowett recalls.
Jowett had come to care for Marie. In an unexpected way, Marie was caring for Jowett, too. “She reminded me that caring is a two-way relationship. While I was helping care for her, she was helping shape the person I would become.”
Two decades later, Jowett, a resident of San Carlos, is now the owner and senior care advisor of Peninsula Senior Referral Services (PSRS), helping families in the City of Good Living and the Peninsula explore senior care options .
There Is No “One-Size-Fits-All”
Before entering senior care, Jowett worked in computers for a large food manufacturer in the Philippines. After moving to the Bay Area, she joined her aunt and uncle at their three residential care homes, where they patiently taught her everything they knew. “Every client teaches you something different. You learn their routines, their stories, their sense of humor, their fears, and what makes them feel safe,” Jowett says. “When it comes to elderly care, there is no one-size-fits-all.” By taking the time to understand each client, Jowett is able to create a personalized care plan for them and is able to recommend a caregiver well suited to the client’s needs and personality.
Affordable In-Home Care
“Many families assume they cannot afford in-home care because traditional home care agencies often charge rates that place quality care out of reach. At the same time, there are outstanding experienced caregivers looking for meaningful work,” Jowett says. “I knew I could bridge that gap,” she said. Today, PSRS connects families with carefully screened, experienced caregivers, while helping clients receive quality care at an affordable price.
Helping Seniors Stay Independent
“Many seniors are surprised to discover that having a caregiver doesn't take away their independence; it actually helps them remain independent longer by providing assistance only where it is needed.” Jowett says. “Care should never feel like taking control away from someone. It should feel like giving them the support they need to continue living life on their own terms.”
Trial Period and Assessment
For families considering home care, PCRS offers a trial period and assessment. “My hope is that families won't wait until a crisis happens before reaching out. One conversation today can make tomorrow's decisions much easier.”
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