Caregiver Opens Training Facility In Largo, Hiring 50-60

It was about 10 years ago when Julie Krol needed care for her grandmother but couldn't find a good caretaker to look after her. After growing frustrated, Krol and her mother decided to open a Home Instead franchise in Pinellas County. Today, the local franchise has more than 100 employees, and that number is growing.

"The need for senior caretakers is growing, and it will continue to grow with the baby boomers," Krol says. "They need care, and some need help around the clock."

Unlike other senior communities or homes, Home Instead offers caregiving to clients in their own homes. Due to its growing list of clients, Home Instead Senior Care of Pinellas County is opening a training facility in Largo. An official grand opening ceremony with the Largo Mid-Pinellas Chamber of Commerce will take place on July 20 at the new center, 7250 Ulmerton Road, Suite E. 

"We needed to open a training facility because we are getting so big we need ongoing training for our staff," Krol says.

The 1,200 square-foot facility will offer classes in Alzheimer's disease and dementia, as well as caregiving techniques and certifications.

Along with the opening of the new training facility, Krol says she will be hiring 50 to 60 additional care givers. "We will be hiring homemaker companions and CNAs," Krol says. "Client needs are always changing. We are adding clients daily, and we have a hard time getting caregivers in the door."

Krol says that caregivers need to have initiative and become companions, not housekeepers. "Anyone can come in and vacuum the floor and make a sandwich," Krol says. "We are looking for someone who will find activities to do with our clients, such as going out to lunch or help write letters to grandkids."

Writer: Kimberly Patterson
Source: Julie Krol, Home Instead Senior Care of Pinellas County