Founded on the desire to provide excellent senior care in the Seattle area
Many American households struggle to find quality health care for an aging parent or loved one. In the early 1990s, this was a very real challenge for Sandy Jeghers. Sandy’s mother required assistance but didn’t want to leave her home. Sandy’s search for in-home health care was arduous and frustrating – despite his extensive health care background and contacts within the industry.
Sandy had 25 years of senior health care management experience, including 12 years as President and CEO of Overlake Hospital Medical Center in Bellevue, Washington. He readily saw the need for professional, in-home health care with an emphasis on outstanding customer service, high integrity, and skilled nursing.
In 1996, Health People was co-founded by Sandy and David Martin. David’s experience included more than 20 years in the staffing and recruitment industries (he had founded two major Seattle staffing companies).
Health People received its state license as a home health agency in 1997, providing private duty hourly or live-in services to aging and elderly clients, as well as clients with other health care needs.
The tradition of high-quality senior care continues with a new leader
Elisabeta Kehm, President/CEO
In 2007, Elisabeta Kehm took the reins at Health People, embracing the hands-on role of owner and CEO. Backed by a successful technical career and armed with a degree in computer science, Elisabeta had managed projects, hired professionals, and honed her leadership skills for a decade in the software industry. As a development manager at Microsoft, she led an international team to implement tools for Microsoft sales offices around the world.
Why the career change? In 2006, Elisabeta’s father was diagnosed with advanced cancer and given months to live. Elisabeta took a leave of absence from work to care for him. During those months, she interacted with many health care professionals and experienced the challenges – and rewards – of caregiving.
After her father’s death, Elisabeta discovered her calling as a caregiver and decided to make a significant career change. “I had a desire in my heart to do something meaningful with my career – to touch people and, in some small way, affect people’s lives,” she says.
In addition to being highly involved in Health People’s day-to-day activities, Elisabeta loves being an RN and working directly with the clients in the field. She is also interested in obtaining a master’s degree with a focus on gerontology (the branch of medicine that focuses on aging people – and helping the aged).
From its roots, Health People’s leaders and employees are personally committed to providing the highest quality senior care to the clients they serve.
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