Why not stay Home Instead?

COEUR d'ALENE - A new business aimed at meeting the growing needs of area seniors has opened in Coeur d'Alene.

Serving Kootenai and Bonner counties, Home Instead Senior Care is an independently owned and operated company that is part of an international franchise network.

Owned by Chris and Ene Gaines, the local business helps seniors who want to remain in their homes as they age. The company's caregivers, who are trained, bonded and insured, provide personal care, as well as assistance with meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, errands and shopping services to help keep seniors independent.

Previous experience led this husband and wife team to the senior care industry. For the past eight years, Chris worked as a marketer for continuing care retirement. Ene previously worked for the Alzheimer's Association and most recently served as the marketing director for the Home Instead Senior Care office in Northern Colorado.

"While working with the Home Instead Senior Care office in Colorado, Ene was able to see the internal operation first-hand and help grow the business. We both really admired how the local owners operated their business and the respectful way they treated their staff and the clients they served," Chris Gaines said.

Gaines said the majority of seniors polled in recent industry surveys say they want to remain in their homes as they age. Home Instead Senior Care provides services to seniors wherever they might call home: private or rental residences, assisted-living facilities and care centers.

"Seniors want to stay in their homes and be as independent and active for as long as possible. With our companionship, home helper and personal care services, we can help them do that," Gaines said. "We look forward to serving seniors and their families as we strive to be the leading name in non-medical senior care in Northern Idaho."

Home Instead Senior Care is at 500 North Government Way, Suite 500. Information: 415-0366 or www.homeinstead.com/764.