If you’re looking for personalized care in your own home, look no further than Claire’s Home Care Services Ltd. of Nanaimo.

Owner and manager Claire Jarocki creates individual service plans for each client — personalized attention right down to sickness and health issues.

“When someone is hospitalized, each and every individual gets a personal visit and receives a card and their own Teddy bear,” Claire says.

“That — plus impeccable service — is what sets us apart.”

Offering exceptional personal care is what Claire’s Home Care Services (CHCS) does best. With 35 to 45 full-time, part-time and casual on-call staff, they offer that personal touch with high level integrity, honesty and a strong work ethic.

“We go into anybody’s home, who needs help in the home,” Claire says, “from personal care, housekeeping, meal preparation, respite care, transportation, foot care, yard maintenance, even handyman services.”

CHCS Ltd. has been in business in the mid-Island since July 1, 2001.

Claire has experience and background in finance, is an internationally-certified counsellor and as a primary care counsellor at in-patient settings.

She describes herself as a people person.

“It is the heart and soul of who I am,” she says, “and it works! In different levels, areas, situations, crisis and rewards, we are always dealing with people.”

Claire encourages her staff to remain flexible in their duties to make the business a win-win for employees and clients.

“Treating all of my staff with courtesy, dignity and respect helps overcome challenges with staff retention,” Claire says.

The recent recession has impacted her business — and her clients — and makes for quite the challenge in the form of finding available, qualified staff.

While those numbers can sometimes fluctuate, she offers workshops and upgrading opportunities and other benefits, enabling staff to enjoy their work as much as they enjoy their personal time.

A member of the Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce, Oceanside, Nanaimo and Ladysmith women’s business networks, the Better Business Bureau, Nanaimo Seniors Networking Service and many non-profit organizations, Claire keeps busy outside of her career.

Yet, she is dedicated to her clients.

She encourages people looking to go into their own business to do the research, follow their hearts that for which they have passion.

Her best piece of advice is to take each challenge one step at a time.

To find out more about Claire’s Home Care Services Ltd., drop by at 3148 East Barons Rd. in Nanaimo, or call 1-888-751-8114.