We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Cassandra Johnson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Cassandra below.

Cassandra, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today One of the toughest things about entrepreneurship is that there is almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

The most unexpected problem I have and continue to face with my business is obtaining a Medicare Certification. It is very challenging to network with physicians regarding patient referrals. when most of those referrals are Medicare patients, and your company is not Medicare certified.

To become approved for Medicare Certification, a home healthcare owner must have and submit valid proof of having greater than $41,000 in business their business account upon submission of the actual Medicare Application. Owning a new business that hasn’t successfully. acquired much revenue. and becoming faced with such a financial challenge is disheartening.

I have seen different support groups on the news advertising memberships benefits available and offering business grant programs. Soon as my fees are paid, and I participate within those groups they tip toe around the grant topic or any financial topics of assistance for that matter. So, starting/owning a business is difficult especially in the beginning.

Cassandra, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

We at Reliable Alternative Home Care, Inc. are proud of the care we provide. and just how rewarding our job is. When you are providing nursing services for a client you just met in the hospital you only see a small percentage of exactly who that patient is and what their needs are. Most of the time our staff is the only people a patient may see due to having no family or caregivers within reach. They may be deficient of food, medication, and/or utilities.
Once our nurses and other licensed staff visit that patient’s home, they can see a greater percentage of exactly who that patient is and what their daily needs are. By visiting that patient’s home, a nurse should be able to assess. mental and physical needs of that patient which will enable a better variety of care provided. For example, a referral to a Licensed Master Social Worker who will work closely with those patients to assess their needs enabling them access to available services and resources which will improve their quality of life.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

The initial capital I needed to start Reliable Alternative Home Care; Inc. was afforded to me by my husband Leroy Johnson who believes in me when life situation causes me disbelief in myself. Along with my Uncle Howard Sumbler, a retired military veteran and educator who has kept me encouraged throughout many trials and tribulations. of life.

Uncle Howard has mentored and encouraged throughout childhood to my adulthood. I am so blessed to have him as an Uncle but even more as a father figure. There are so many things from my past I would have never made it through without God placing Uncle Howard there as a support system.

I am truly grateful for both Leroy and Uncle Howard’s love and financial support throughout my business endeavor. Their financial investments give me the extra boost needed to continue daily as a business owner.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

First, communication, honesty, professionalism, respect, and trust should be exemplified throughout all patient care provided. Out of courtesy, professionalism, and respect Reliable Alternative Home Care, Inc. staff must contact the patient/caregiver and ask to schedule a time for that face-to-face home healthcare visit while giving a time frame of that scheduled appointment. Staff must be sure to call and update the patient if time permits an earlier and/or late arrival time.

Communication is key to a successful relationship between our professionals and patients. Regardless, of any situation at hand upon arrival to and throughout the visit of a patient’s home be sure to continue. the professionalism and respect each patient deserve.

Once a patient has been discharged from home healthcare service we follow up with them a few weeks to a month encouraging and educating them assuring no medical setbacks.

Reliable Alternative Home Care, Inc will have 24hr on-call staff adhering to patient need and guidance. Of emergency.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.ra-hc.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ra-hc

Image Credits
Image Credits to Cassandra Johnson and Reliable Alternative Home Care, Inc. Klarke Foreman and Bri ‘Ann Stephens of Foundation First Houston, Texas