Holden Homecare Expands into Western Mass. Region
WEST SPRINGFIELD — According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median age of Western Mass. residents increased by exactly one year between 2000 and 2005. And the older people become, the more they need medical services that include home care.
To meet the rising demand, Holden Homecare Services has opened a Medicare-certified home health agency with an office in West Springfield. The agency currently provides nursing, physical therapy, and home health aide services to more than 50 patients in Hampden and Hampshire counties.
Holden Homecare is based in Lowell, where it recently purchased the former St. Joseph’s Hospital building. Holden will use the building to house its home care office, corporate headquarters, and an affiliate, the Holden Health Career Training Center, which is a professional training program for nurses, nursing assistants, and home health aides.
Many of the skilled graduates go on to work for Holden Homecare, helping the organization avoid the clinical staffing shortages hindering other health care providers. Holden has three Health Career Training Centers in Massachusetts and in New Hampshire, and will open a fourth location in Springfield in the next few months.
“Our mission is to keep seniors healthy, safe, and independent at home,” said Lisa E. Goguen, RN, manager of the Western Mass. office. “We employ compassionate caregivers who are proud to help people live longer. Holden is growing fast, and we’re pleased to be in the region. Medicare gives seniors the right to choose a home care agency, and more choice is good for everyone.”
Most Holden patients receive home care services free of charge. The agency is certified to bill Medicare, Medicaid, and selected private insurances. The agency also offers private pay services that allow family members to pay for a higher level of care than their insurance covers. Peter Schoenberger, Holden’s Western Mass. account executive, meets with family members to provide free information on home care services and payment options.
The Western Mass. office of Holden Homecare Services is located at 174 South Blvd., West Springfield. For more information on home care services or employment opportunities, call (413) 788-0955.
