Richie Thompson has a passion for serving his community, right at home. That’s why beyond his time spent as an associate pastor in Harvest, Alabama, he also plays the piano at assisted living facilities, puts on “Senior” proms, and serves as a franchisee Director for Right at Home of North Alabama, a caregiving operation for those who need short or long-term care.

Right at Home is a leader in the in-home senior care industry. Whether your loved one needs a short term companion care plan, 24/7 live-in care or respite care, Richie and his team of professional staff provide home care services to fit every family situation. When it comes to around-the-clock care, Right at Home can answer the call to help your loved one with daily tasks to take the burden off your shoulders. But don’t take our word for it. Read Henry’s story.
 
Henry taught high school math for more than 40 years. For decades, Henry also painted large canvases of the local New England countryside. Upon retirement, he passionately concentrated on his hobby and became well regarded as a talented oil painter. He and Rita, his wife of 50 years, were living their dream. Then Rita noticed a difference in Henry. He would sit staring at his easel for long periods of time without painting. He seemed forgetful. He didn't have the sharp wit that made him a favorite with students throughout his teaching career. Rita took Henry to the doctor, who performed a series of tests. The doctor told Rita and Henry that he suspected Henry had Alzheimer's. 

Henry's cognitive functions declined rapidly. Rita couldn't keep up and soon became overwhelmed. She had difficulty dealing with the change in their relationship—from loving spouse to primary caregiver. She called Right at Home and was introduced to Shelly. While at Henry and Rita's house, Shelly takes over the most stressful tasks for Rita – like bathing and toilet assistance. She occasionally vacuums, dusts and does the dishes. This gives Rita the time to get a break from her caregiving duties. She has lunch with her friends every week, goes shopping with a friend after church on Sundays and gets her hair done regularly. She also has the time and peace of mind to sit quietly with Henry, hold his hand and reminisce about their life together.

So what about those short-term disabilities? Hattie can attest that Right at Home was her temporary fix when she couldn’t perform simple tasks. Hattie had always been active. She went for long runs years before jogging was popular. She had even hiked part of the Appalachian Trail. And she still chased her toddler grandson around the living room whenever her daughter and son-in-law were in town. But Hattie started to have hip pain that worsened with time. Her doctor suggested a hip replacement. Hattie didn’t hesitate. However, there was no one within driving distance who was able to help Hattie with her needs during her recovery. Hattie and her daughter consulted with Right at Home, deciding to have a caregiver come to the house for the first three weeks after Hattie’s surgery. The procedure went off without a hitch and after a few weeks, Hattie was back on her feet and felt decades younger. 

While she was recovering, Right at Home provided numerous companionship homemaking services to Hattie, including transportation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, cooking, laundry services, and running errands.

Richie’s team of trained caregivers provide quality in-home care for seniors and disabled adults who need some assistance to maintain their independence. And while Right at Home has more than 500 locations that serve tens of thousands of clients across the United States and internationally, there’s an office “right at home” in North Alabama to help your loved ones with the care and companionship they need to feel safe, loved, and secure.

In need of services from RAH’s professional staff? Visit www.rightathome.net to learn more about RAH’s services or contact Richie Thompson at (256) 616-5353.