Business Provides 'Comfort' for Bridgewater Seniors

She started as a software developer, spending 25 years in the corporate world as both a developer and a professional project manager—but she left that job to pursue a career with “a high degree of integrity.”

And that gave birth to Comfort Keepers, an organization started by Elizabeth Bartlett, and which provides professional and compassionate home care, senior care and elder care, and is based on Route 22 in Bridgewater.

“[It provides for others] that need a hand at home or anywhere they may reside, like an assisted living facility, rehab or nursing home,” she said.

Bartlett said her organization provides what she calls “Interactive Caregiving,” which works with clients to enhance their independence and well-being.

This program, Bartlett said, has four interrelated aspects, namely engagement of the mind, an active body, proper nutrition and safety.

“The care services provided by Comfort Keepers are designed to help seniors and others maintain optimal levels of independence in the comfort of their own homes,” she said. “In addition to providing assistance with household tasks, such as light housekeeping and meal preparation, and personal care tasks, such as bathing and grooming, Comfort Keepers offers our clients a wide range of companionship services, including conversation, walks, errands and assistance with hobbies and other interests.”

Bartlett said it is about providing independence, while also enhancing quality of life.

“My purpose in life is to help the elderly stay safely in their homes for as long as they choose to, and also, if they choose another place to reside, give them the one-on-one care that a busy staff may not be able to provide,” she said.

Her mission, Bartlett said, is to help an entire family ease through transitions that are part of the aging process.

Bartlett said there is always a need for these kinds of services.

“Folks are willing to spend a little more for the premium services we provide,” she said.

And Bartlett said she chose Bridgewater because of everything it offers.

“It is a great location because of the relatively large population we can serve, and easy availability of office space,” she said. “I also live in Basking Ridge, so that was a deciding factor as well.”

Now, years after opening the business, Bartlett is being honored with a position with LessCareGiverStress.com, which provides tools and information for family caregivers, like children and spouses.

“[The tools] are from real experts who work with seniors everyday,” she said. “I am one of those experts. I was recognized as an expert, and asked to be involved by the publishers of the website, LTC Expert Publications.”

As an expert with the organization, Bartlett said, she will contribute helpful information and wisdom to family caregivers, all based on her experience working with the elderly and their families.

“It’s one way I give back to those struggling with caring for themselves as they age, or caring for their aging parents and other loved ones,” she said.

Bartlett said her decision to enter this field of work from the start was about doing something good for others.

“I invested my life savings to create a business with a high degree of integrity, based on respect and love for humankind,” she said. “I was tired of corporate politics and wasn’t very good at it, honestly.”

Bartlett said she was tired of the corporate politics life, and decided she often found she did not have time left for family and friends. So, she said, she chose to move away from that initial life and help those who need help.

“I wanted to create a life of meaning and purpose, that would leave me energized after a day’s work and where I could make a difference in people’s lives,” she said, “and I’ve done that.”