(732) 383-8850 info@takecarenj.com

Who We Are

Take Care Companions (TCC) is a New Jersey state-certified health care service firm. TCC’s founder and director, Teresa Kellner, M. Ed., has 25 years of experience in education, administration and Home Care service in the New York Metro and New Jersey Coastal region. She is a Certified Dementia Practitioner specializing in families dealing with cognitive issues.

TCC’s core mission is to provide professional, compassionate and dignified care for seniors choosing to remain at home, while providing peace of mind to their families.

Communication between the client, caregiver and family members is the key to a successful Home Care environment. TCC’s philosophy is people-centered—making the client’s needs and comfort the focal point of assistance and caregiving placement. Teresa’s personal style informs all services offered by Take Care Companions. Assisting families in crisis, or through individual transitioning, is a personal calling. When her family opted to care for her father—and then her nephew—at home, she experienced firsthand why Home Care needs to extend to the whole family.

“Everything we do supports your peace of mind. That means concentrating on the ‘little things’—assisting with insurance forms, coordinating medical professionals, finding the right fit between caregiver and client, and doing our best to answer ongoing questions about your parent or loved one. In a Home Care situation, there is nothing ‘little’ about any of those things.”—Teresa Kellner

What We Do

The Take Care Companions staff constantly emphasizes the emotional, social and interactive qualities of a client’s life. That process begins at the top. TCC director Teresa Kellner personally takes the lead role in assessment and gets to know each client and family, developing top-of-mind awareness of their specific issues.

Needless to say, this level of involvement is a rarity in the Home Care industry.

The benefits, however, are immeasurable. For as our senses decline, the importance of remaining connected to the community and to friends and family increases. A big part of what TCC’s caregivers do involves keeping clients engaged with their joys and passions as much as mobility allows: shopping, eating out, movies, trips to the beach and other activities—all part of an action plan created with the family.

“Obviously, putting that plan into action means identifying the ideal caregivers for each client. We call that THE MATCH. Everyone who joins the company understands how crucial this chemistry is—how finding THE MATCH can elevate every aspect of a Home Care relationship. It’s why I get involved at such a personal level. It has certainly been the difference-maker for the company.”

—Teresa Kellner

Why We Do It

Over 40 million Americans are 65 and older—more than at any time in our history. Seniors now make up nearly 15% of the U.S. population. Not surprisingly, the nation has seen a corresponding rise in the number of senior living facilities.

Unfortunately, most are unable to fulfill the personalization associated with life at home.

Home is where the heart is. It is filled with fond memories of growing children and holiday gatherings, every room a collection of meaningful possessions. The sense of comfort and belonging is undeniable.

Enabling a senior with diminishing abilities to remain at home and stay connected to these memories is Why We Do What We Do.

The Placement Process

Take Care Companions appreciates how complex the decision can be for a family. Director Teresa Kellner is with you from the start to help assess a wide range of considerations that factor into your decision, including:

  • Level of Care
  • Evolving Care Plan
  • Suitability of the Home
  • Personality
  • Caregiver Preferences
  • Family Culture
  • Economics

Following this assessment, a registered nurse or social worker reviews the specifics to establish and devise a personalized care plan for the client and caregiver.

Our case managers also facilitate discharge planning from sub acute or rehabilitation facilities, if necessary.

These steps contribute significantly to the goal of enabling your loved one to enjoy a higher level of wellness for a longer period of time, surrounded by the comforts of home — promoting independence and maintaining dignity in a respectful and compassionate manner.

“Can you put a value on a client’s happiness and a family’s peace of mind? It is difficult, but not impossible. Our initial conversation will enable you to make an informed and realistic decision regarding your Home Care choices, and whether TCC is an appropriate partner.”

—Teresa Kellner

Nana just helps with everything and she makes my favorite…Spaghetti & Shrimp!

 

Jean (90 Years Young)

Julie takes care of my Dad like family, only better.

 

Dino (89 Years Young)

Lisa comes with me everywhere and helps me look and feel my best.

 

ZaZa (83 Years Young)

Take Care Companions Local Links

 

Associations, Involvement & Research

Take Care Companions (TCC) maintains an active role in leading state and national associations where current research and knowledge is published. TCC also participates in conferences and symposiums where information and knowledge pertinent to eldercare is shared. A sampling of these follows:

 

 

  • AARP – American Association of Retired People

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to helping people ages 50 and older to improve their quality of life as they age. With over 38 million members AARP leads positive social change through services and research information.

 

 

  • NCOA – National Council on Aging

NCOA is a respected national leader and trusted partner to help people aged 60+ meet the challenges of aging. NCOA partners with nonprofit organizations, government, and business to provide innovative community programs and services, online help, and advocacy.

 

 

  • ASA – American Society on Aging

ASA is a resource to cultivate leadership, advance knowledge, and strengthen the skills of those who work with, and on behalf of, older adults.

 

 

Formed in 1980, the Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.