Becky Tanner and Mark Leuer, owners and operators of Right at Home In-home Care and Assistance in Glendale, came to the elder and disabled care business for personal reasons.

"My father had a severe stroke last October," Tanner said. "He lives in Albuquerque. It was that experience, trying to help take care of him from a distance, that really got us interested in this."

Over the summer, Tanner and Leuer opened Right at Home, a franchise that has been around since 1995. The business offers in-home care for the elderly and disabled who do not desire or do not need full-time care.

"We offer non-medical care, and it can be for things as small as remembering to take the right medications at the right time," Leuer said. "When the little things become just a bit too much, we are there to help."

Leuer said their clientele primarily comprises those who want to stay in their own homes but need some assistance to do so.

"Their generation has a great deal of pride, you know, and they absolutely do not want to feel like they are helpless," Leuer said. "They are fiercely independent. In-home care allows them to maintain most of their independence."

The recent economic downturn has meant a growing list of potential new clients, as well. Declining home values mean many people who were planning to sell their homes and move to assisted/independent living facilities can no longer afford to do so.

"Those are the same kind of people who choose to get in-home care from us. They are people who want to maintain their independence," Leuer said. "Those facilities are beautiful, but unfortunately, monthly rent can be up to several thousand dollars. We can be a great alternative to that."

Brad Stewart, sales manager for The Amethyst senior living community at 91st Avenue south of Union Hills Drive in Peoria, said Amethyst has not seen much of a decline in business.

"I think part of the reason is because we are a need-driven industry," Stewart said. "And we also do everything we can to work with people who want to move in but are having trouble selling their homes."

Stewart said Amethyst offers a plan whereby a person can move in before selling their home.

"They have up to six months to sell their home, during which time they can pay what they are comfortable with," Stewart said. "After the home sells, they pay the balance of what they owe, plus interest."

Stewart said he agreed with Tanner and Leuer that in-home care can be a good option under certain circumstances. The important thing, he said, is that the person and their family make an informed decision.

"There are so many options out there, so it is very important that they think carefully and choose the right kind of care, whether that is having someone come in a few hours a day or 24-hour care," Stewart said. "The family needs to decide what they can realistically afford and what their parent needs and then weigh those things."

"Bring in the elder attorney, talk to the bank, talk to the doctor," Stewart said. "Bring everyone into the process and make the best decision for that person."

Tanner said the message she and Leuer try to get across about in-home care always centers on the issue of independence.

"We always reiterate, helping people maintain their independence is our whole goal," Tanner said. "It's about keeping them as independent as possible, while still being respectful of their privacy."

For information, call 623-878-2885 or visit www.nwphx.rightathome.net.

Jeff Dempsey may be reached at 623-876-2531 or jdempsey@yourwestvalley.com.