BOUNTIFUL—When Frank Barton’s mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s he left his job as a market manager to take care of her. This experience led him to open Right at Home, a service that provides caregiving so that people can stay in their homes. Barton has three locations in Salt Lake County and has expanded into Davis County. 

“My mom had just been taken off of a research trial,” said Barton. “She declined so much. I was trying to care for her and also support my dad. It was literally at the same time as I left my job.”

Barton said he’d thought about owning his own business. “This resonated with me, especially on a personal basis. It still remains personal to me. When I talk to families I hear about all of the challenges they’re going through. My mom passed away in 2014 but I think of her and try to honor her in the care we provide.”

Ultimately it’s people who matter, he said of his staff. “We look for the caring side. You can train how to change a bed with someone in it but you can’t train their heart – they have to bring that to the job.”

Caregivers are given a lot of support, said Barton. “We have mental health services, paycheck assistance and training for a situation that is unique. About half of our clients have dementia so they require different care. We go out with them (caregivers) and work with them so they feel comfortable and get the support they need for the client’s situation.”

With veterans so many families are challenged by the cost of caregiving, especially in the home, Barton said. “The VA provides for a home health aide who can do chores, based on services, cook, do laundry, keep the house clean and give a respite to their caregivers.”

It feels good to help someone who has served, he said. “We’re moving into the Gulf War veterans now. Davis County has more veterans than maybe Salt Lake County. We’ve been doing veteran work for the last year.”

Utah is blessed with larger families who often have more support, said Barton. “But the family gets stressed as time goes on. Care may only last a week to two weeks or it could be 24/7. Then if the caregiver is in his 60s and needs a knee replacement they can’t take care of themselves.”

The older the loved one gets the more daily help they need, he said. “Unfortunately, dementia is a progressive disease. It’s not only the body that declines but the mind too. A little bit of care like ours can prevent them from needing to go to assisted living.”

It could be one day a week to start but may turn into daily care, Barton said. “We adjust it to their needs and as the family’s needs change.”

Right at Home offers free in-home consultations, he said. “We want them to understand our services earlier and not wait until there is a  crisis.”

For more information contact them at 801-758-0630 or visit rightathome.net.