In today’s economy, not many corporate career junkies are giving up positions as CEO of a successful hospital – especially not to start a small business. But, for Gross Pointe resident Linda Pagel, it was a welcomed decision and a natural transition. Linda Pagel, the former CEO of Select Specialty Hospital in Grosse Pointe recently made the move from CEO to small business owner with the opening of her new business FirstLight HomeCare of Grosse Pointe/Macomb.
Linda’s new business provides non-medical in-home care to seniors and aging adults. It provides services such as bathing and grooming, prescription reminders, respite care for caregivers and more. After working in the health care industry for more than 35 years and serving as a hospital CEO for 20, Linda saw a substantial need in the community for this type of service.
“Throughout my career, and even in my private life, I often met families who were concerned about how they would take care of their aging loved ones,” said Pagel. “Seeing this helped me realize there was a need I could fulfill in my community.”
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For Linda, giving up her corporate life wasn’t a tough decision after realizing she could provide a valuable service that so many families would benefit from.
“I always loved my job with the hospital, but it didn’t allow me much face-to-face interaction with the people we served.” “But, with FirstLight HomeCare, I have the ability to use my skill set and knowledge of the health care industry to ensure a high quality of care for all the clients we serve.”
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In addition, Linda cared for her grandmother and aging aunt giving her first-hand experience with caring for loved ones. This experience allows her to relate to the families she works with and provide the compassion and comfort families seek when looking for caregivers.
Not only does Linda bring first-hand experiences to her new job, but her extensive knowledge of the health care industry allows her the ability to ensure a continuity of care for clients between the hospital and home.
“I understand the importance of strong communication between health care providers, because it results in better overall care, lower hospital readmission rates and lower overall health care costs,”’ says Pagel.
Non-medical in-home care is extremely successful in helping keep seniors safe and independent in their homes for longer; and with 10,000 Americans turning 65 every day, more and more people will benefit from these types of services.
FirstLight HomeCare of Grosse Pointe/Macomb services all cities in Grosse Pointe and Macomb County. For more information, visit grossepointe.firstlighthomecare.com or call 586.218.3331.
