What's new: Senior Helpers opens office in Boise

Senior Helpers, a franchisee business that provides non-medical assistance, light housework, meal preparation, companionship and/or personal care for older individuals or couples, has opened an office in Boise to serve seniors in the Treasure Valley who wish to remain at home.

"Elder care has become a key concern in our society today as it replaces child care as the number one issue for men and women in today's work force," said Fred Parker, owner and president of Senior Helpers.

"We offer companion care, which gives the client assistance in most areas of daily living, or personal care, which includes assistance with bathing, medication and more complex issues," he said.

Parker has nearly four years of experience as a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) representative focusing on long-term care products for clients in the Valley.

Services are available by the hour, as well as 24-hour care seven days a week, including holidays. Cost is on an hourly basis depending on the services needed. Caregivers are screened through interviews, references and background checks, and continuous training is offered to improve their knowledge and skills, Parker said.

A consultant will meet with a potential client and/or family to discuss what services are needed. Representatives also can assist veterans with the paperwork required to receive financial help for services.

Business hours at the office, 9446 W. Fairview Ave., are 9 am. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. A 24-hour on-call service with a live operator also is available. A grand opening will be Sept. 16. Call 321-4599, or visit www.seniorhelpers.com.

AROUND THE VALLEY

Whitney Elementary groundbreaking set

Representatives from Boise School District and the city of Boise - along with students and parents - are expected to attend a groundbreaking ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday, marking the beginning of construction on the new Whitney Elementary School at 1609 S. Owyhee St. in Boise.

Voters passed a $94 million bond in 2006 to consolidate, renovate and rebuild a number of schools in the district, including Whitney Elementary.

Children's centeropen house planned

Stepping Stones Children's Center will host a grand opening celebration and open house from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at 12228 Bridger Bay Drive, in Star.

The newly-constructed, 5,000-square-foot facility, located in Pinewood Lakes West Towne Centre, has a 6,000-square-foot playground area and offers preschool, full-day child care and after-school programs for ages 3-8.

Owner/Director Kerry Milligan has a background in early childhood education and has managed preschool/daycare centers for more than 17 years.

The center is open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. Transportation is available to and from Star and Middleton elementary schools. Call 286-9362.

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