Poland couple starts Seniors Helping Seniors

SEE ALSO: Applications for Homestead Exemption underway in Mahoning County

Staff report

POLAND

Preston and Jeanette Hess of Poland, a husband-and-wife team, have started a Seniors Helping Seniors franchise serving Mahoning and Columbiana counties.

The nonmedical, home-care organization, operating out of the Hesses’ home, is dedicated to helping seniors remain self-sufficient and in their own homes longer, Preston said.

Services include companionship, transportation, meal preparation, shopping, respite care, light housekeeping, overnight stays, and home-maintenance services, all provided by seniors who get paid for their work, he said.

“We offer services to families in our community that can really make an impact in their lives. We help seniors support each other, maintain their independence, and enjoy their lives,” Jeanette said.

Preston said Seniors Helping Seniors’ employees, all independent contractors, do not receive special training but are chosen because of their age and experience taking care of seniors. The employees are interviewed three times, once via telephone and twice in person, and must undergo background checks.

Seniors Helping Seniors in-home services engages older adults in the community who can provide the services. They are paid and also receive emotional benefits from the relationships they develop with those they help, Preston said.

The Hesses are hosting two open-house events to get to know more people in Mahoning and Columbiana counties and to talk about how Seniors Helping Seniors services can best serve those communities.

The open houses are from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Boardman Holiday Inn, 7410 South Ave.; and from 5 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Das Dutch Village Inn, 150 E. state Route 14, Columbiana.

Preston retired after working at FirstEnergy for 25 years in supply-chain management serving the company’s nuclear generation division.

He and his wife are active in their church and volunteer for a number of organizations.

Jeannette has been a deacon and elder at Poland Presbyterian Church, and Preston served as a deacon. Both have taught Vacation Bible School and Sunday school at the church. The Hesses have two adult daughters, Lauren and Allison.

For information, contact Preston Hess at 330-729-5599, or visit their website at www.seniorshelpingseniors.com/mahoningcolumbiana.