Hometown News and Views

By Phyllis J. Neuberger

Whatever the need, Brighter Days Nursing agency can assist with home health care for clients and their family members who want to remain in their own homes. This agency, located at 1001 W. Cypress Creek Rd., suite 400H in Fort Lauderdale is owned by Louise Harvey, RN, and Michael Prisciantelli, who handles the office, billing and all financial matters.

“We are that extra pair of hands that can do the things that are difficult for our clients like reaching the top shelf, driving to the doctor, changing the bed, organizing medicines. We can provide every level of care to help our clients stay in their own homes and keep their independence. Brighter Days range of help includes RNs, LPNs. CNAs. home health aids and companions,” explains Harvey. “Our service is geared to those who want to stay out of nursing facilities, but need assistance to remain at home. I was that extra pair of hands myself for 20 years. I recognized how important this service is  to both the needy parent and the family who is searching for a way to keep mom or dad in familiar surroundings.”

Harvey went on to say, “So many clients asked me if I knew of someone , like me, to help a friend, that I got the courage to start my own specialized  placement service for qualified people. I’m licensed and insured. All of our employees have passed the required level two background checks and are bonded.”

Although she interviews prospective employees and clients in her office, she says it is in the client’s best interest to go to the home involved to assess the kind of help needed. “The evaluation is always done by an RN or me,” she says. Our employees are all trained in their respective fields. They must pass a Florida State Board or the equivalent and be licensed. That includes every level of help offered by Brighter Days.”

Clients have many varied needs. Each case is individual and is evaluated with this in mind. RNs do the assessments and organization of medications. LPNs and CNSs are suggested  when everyday issues including driving, doctor visits, bathing, light cooking and cleaning are involved. Some clients simply need companionship and support for everyday tasks.

Harvey  feels her career is a direct result of her upbringing. She says, “I was raised by my grandmother who was a midwife. When I was born, grandmother was already retired, but she had delivered every one of my mother’s children. There were 17 of us and I am number 16. Grandma was unique. She was a midwife and a school teacher—a true role model for me.”

Harvey lived with her grandmother from age seven on. “Watching her certainly pointed me to my own career. She spent her life taking care of everyone including her husband , a severely wounded veteran of W.W. 1. When my agency can afford to do so, I hope to give caregivers free respite care so that these overworked folks can have a few hours away from their very demanding lives. “

Brighter Days offers live-in, daily, weekly, hourly and 24/7 care to assist with medication, doctor appointments, cooking, cleaning, laundry, showering, feeding, dressing, and companionship. Private pay and major insurance accepted.

Here’s what a few satisfied clients had to say:

Margaret Hatab lives independently even though she is a full time wheelchair person. She says,  “I need someone here five days a week and count on Brighter Days to send over aids to help with everything including cooking, cleaning, laundry and more.  I also wear a Lifeline button so that I am covered when I am alone at night.”

Susie Hess says, “I’ve known Louise for a long time. She took care of my grandmother’s friend for a long time and we were very pleased with her and the people she sent, once she opened her own agency.”

Call 954-765-6534 to arrange a consultation.