Alternative to senior care provides a family environment

THE WOODLANDS, Texas--There’s no place like home. It’s this fundamental need for a place to call home, that motivated Helen Elliott to provide seniors with a homey environment when they can no longer live alone.

Helen’s Care Cottages provide residents with home-cooked meals, camaraderie, and all the comforts of home. But aging seniors require other essential needs, which the cottages can provide. In business since 1998, with 24/7 care-giving, and medication assistance, seniors can peacefully age in place.

The Baby Boomer Generation is coming to the realization that unless their aging parents have provided for their own long-term care, the younger generation will be pressed to come up with a solution. Often an adult child will give up their wage-earning years to become a full-time caregiver. Elliott provides an alternative solution.

“It’s a very loving and caring environment,” said Kelly Ortiz, Helen’s daughter. Motioning to filled grocery carts, “It looks like we’re feeding an army, but this is evidence that it’s all home-cooked and freshly prepared."

Helen’s Care Cottages coordinates on-site visits with Doctors, PA's, RN's, LVN's, and other medical professionals as needed, as well as transportation for medical appointments and treatments. Specialized medical equipment is provided when required.

House managers are trained by Department of Aging and Disability Agency of Texas. Beauty salon, barber services, cleaning, and laundry, are also available on site. Activities are facilitated by loving caregivers, who are trained and capable of also providing respite and hospice care.

Four cottages are located north of Houston; one in The Woodlands, two in the FM 1960 area, and a fourth in Conroe. Based on assessment, most clients pay one monthly flat rate. For an assessment call 713-419-7357.