Raul Mendez understands what it's like to make tough choices for an aging parent while still being of working age, facing profound personal challenges when it came to caring for his ailing mother, who suffered from lupus, arthritis, heart conditions, and emphysema. Raul’s struggle intensified when he lost her, leaving him to navigate the complexities of caring for his father in Puerto Rico from his home in the Bay Area.
Raul’s wife, Adrienne, an ICU nurse at a local major hospital, stood by his side throughout this emotional journey, together working tirelessly to manage his father's needs from afar, growing frustrated with limited options for quality care.
After serving in the U.S. Air Force as a pilot, Raul went on to become a commercial airline pilot, retiring from that career in 2017; this struggle became the catalyst for their new mission. Raul and Adrienne recognized a profound need for compassionate care that respected the elderly as the valuable family historians that they are. Inspired by their experiences, they founded Avida Home Care in 2017. The name, meaning "a life" in Spanish, reflects their commitment to enhancing the quality of life for seniors by allowing them to remain in the comfort of their own homes for as long as possible.
Raul and Adrienne’s vision was clear: to provide a caregiving service that captures the essence of each elderly individual, ensuring they maintain their health and safety in familiar surroundings. Their mission is to create a supportive environment where families can feel confident in the care their loved ones receive.
Avida caregivers provide a wide range of services designed to enhance the quality of life with a holistic approach; whether it’s grocery shopping, meal prep, medical reminders, or transportation, they work to maintain independence. If a client has a beloved pet, caregivers can assist with grooming appointments or walks, ensuring that the pet remains a source of joy and companionship. Or if a client enjoys a trip to the store and cooking, the caregiver can help plan meals, take them shopping, cook with them, and provide clean up. Moreover, spending quality time listening to their stories and engaging in their interests.
Avida’s roots run deep in family history and personal experience, a testament to the power of family collaboration. Vincenzo Cangilose, Raul’s son-in-law, joined the company two years ago after working in real estate and tech sales. Their discussions about working together had always been on the table, so when the opportunity arose, he joined the team. Together, they have continued to build Avida into a family-centered service that prioritizes the well-being of seniors while providing peace of mind to their families.
Avida offers an alternative to assisted living that does away with the negative connotations associated with receiving caregiving support. “Our mission is to take a snapshot of the lifestyle an elderly person is living in their home and maintain it as long as possible,” Raul explains. Hence, their motto: "Caring. One life at a time."
Some signs that your family member may need an in-home caregiver include:
- Decline in Physical Health or Mobility: Difficulty with daily activities like bathing or dressing, frequent falls, or neglecting personal hygiene can indicate the need for assistance.
- Cognitive Changes: Confusion, memory loss, or trouble concentrating may signal that they require support to manage daily routines safely.
- Social Withdrawal and Emotional Changes: Increased isolation or signs of depression suggest they may benefit from companionship and encouragement to engage in activities.
Recognizing these signs early can significantly enhance the quality of life for our seniors while maintaining their independence.
Visit avidahomecare.net for more information.