Hi, my name is Catherina Bertaina, and I’m the President and Founder of Colonial Home Care Services, Incorporated. I started the business back in May of 1992, and we’ve been going strong ever since.
Before starting Colonial, I worked for another home care agency for about a year and a half. During that time, I was really disheartened by how the two owners, who were never around, were taking advantage of the elderly. They provided poor service and weren’t honest, which made me determined to create something better.
So, while still working there, I made plans to start my own company. I borrowed money from my dad, quit my job on a Friday, and opened the doors to Colonial Home Care in a tiny office the following Monday. From the beginning, I’ve always believed that our elderly deserve respect and quality care, especially since I’ve had personal experiences with difficult family situations. Everyone deserves to stay in their own home, surrounded by comfort and family, for as long as possible.
At Colonial Home Care, we offer services for seniors or anyone who is ill or infirmed. We act like an extended family, taking care of them when their own family members can’t be there due to distance or other responsibilities. For example, about a year and a half into the business, one of my clients lost electricity in her mobile home on Christmas Eve. My daughter and I were at home making Christmas dinner when she called. Without a second thought, we brought candles, blankets, and flashlights to her trailer and shared Christmas dinner with her. It was the right thing to do, and my daughter really enjoyed the experience. It was a wonderful evening.
Sometimes, families are resistant to outside help. My own mom was bedridden for the last ten years of her life, and my dad was her sole caregiver. Despite my best efforts to get them some home care, my mom insisted on only my dad’s care. Eventually, she had a few bad falls, and it became clear that they needed more help. This situation showed me just how important our services are, even though it can be hard for families to accept at first.
I love this business because I come from a family where we deeply value and respect each other. My team and I are honored to assist families and provide the loving care that our clients deserve. Our caregivers are amazing people who do this work because they genuinely care about helping others.
At Colonial Home Care, our mission is to keep as many people as possible in their homes as they age, with dignity and respect. To learn more about what we do, please visit our website at colonialhomecareservices.com.
