Community Highlights: Meet Shae Sankofa of Sacred Private HomeCare

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shae Sankofa.

Hi Shae, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into the world of home health care began in a place deeply rooted in faith and service. Growing up in a Christian household, with my father and grandmother both serving as pastors, I learned early on the values of strength, resilience, and the importance of helping others. These teachings became the foundation for my life and career.

From a young age, I was drawn to the medical field. I remember wanting to assist elderly women with their canes and walkers, embodying a spirit of service that many would describe as having an “old soul.” This innate desire to help others shaped my aspirations, leading me to pursue nursing after high school. I found joy in making others happy, but it was through my own experiences that I realized I also had the power to shape my own happiness.

During my time in nursing school, I worked full-time at a primary care office focused on geriatric patients. This experience was transformative; I developed strong relationships with both the doctors and the families, gaining invaluable insights into the needs of the elderly. However, when my nursing program required me to attend classes full-time, I faced a difficult decision: continue working in a role I loved or focus on my education to better serve my community in the future. I chose education, which was met with both support and sadness from my colleagues and patients.

An unexpected opportunity arose when one of the doctors I worked with asked me to assist his mother at home after her fall. This role, which started as a temporary arrangement, opened the door to more clients and highlighted a gap in the home care market. Families began reaching out to me for help, and soon, I found myself in a position to expand my services. It was then that I realized I could make a larger impact by starting my own agency.

Thus, Shae’s Private Healthcare was born. It was a venture fueled by my passion for helping others and a calling I felt deeply connected to. Despite the challenges—the overwhelming demands, the financial hurdles, and moments of self-doubt—I pressed on. A turning point came when a client told me that I had been their lifeline, prompting me to recognize the significance of my work not just for them, but for myself as well.

I dove into research and learned how to establish a licensed home health care agency. This led to the rebranding of my agency as Sacred Private HomeCare, transforming it into more than just a business; it became a ministry driven by purpose. Through hard work and unwavering faith, I faced setbacks and triumphs that led to recognition, including being awarded Best of Gwinnett for four consecutive years, Best of Georgia, and being nominated for the Gwinnett Small Business Award for minority-owned and women-owned businesses.

Reflecting on my journey, I owe my success to my faith, my dedicated staff, and the lessons learned from each client. This industry demands a unique blend of **passion** and **patience**—the two P’s that I embrace daily. My story is one of resilience, grounded in the belief that we can overcome our challenges and uplift others along the way.

I encourage other aspiring entrepreneurs to hold onto their faith and find strength in their purpose. Remember, every obstacle is an opportunity for growth, and your mission to serve can lead to incredible rewards.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey of launching the home care agency was filled with various challenges, each requiring determination and strategic solutions. There were many hurdles I faced, yet I found ways to overcome them. There were regulatory hurdles with navigating licensing requirements, establishing a licensed home health care agency involves understanding and complying with numerous regulations, which can be complex and time-consuming. However, I dedicated time to researching the necessary steps for licensing and sought guidance from mentors and industry professionals to ensure compliance.

The financial constraints, initial funding and resources was a huge challenge as I started with very little to no funding. Starting a business often requires significant financial investment, and securing funds can be a daunting task. especially within the minority community. I explored various funding sources, including personal savings, loans, and grants, while being resourceful in managing my expenses during the initial stages.

Then there was building a team who shared my vision as I was determined to not just hire anyone. Finding and retaining compassionate, skilled caregivers is essential in the home care industry. But I knew that creating a positive workplace culture, offering training and support would attract the right individuals who aligned with the agency’s mission. You also have the marketing which was not necessarily my expertise but I quickly learned. Establishing a client base meant gaining trust and establishing relationships with families in need of care which can be challenging in itself, especially in a competitive market. But I was authentic and transparent, which leveraged personal connections and word-of-mouth referrals from initial clients, building a reputation for quality care that encouraged new clients to reach out.

You definitely need to establish good time mangement skills as it requires balancing multiple responsibilities, managing a new business while continuing education and personal commitments can lead to overwhelming stress.
I prioritized tasks and set clear boundaries, allowing for a structured approach to balancing work, school, and family life. And did I mention the emotional toll it brings, dealing with stress and doubt. The weight of responsibility for clients’ well-being can lead to moments of self-doubt and feelings of being overwhelmed. I had to lean on my faith and support from family, drawing inspiration from client success stories that reminded me of the positive impact I was making in their lives.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Sacred Private HomeCare?
Sacred Private HomeCare is a non medical personal home healthcare agency, established since 2013 providing personalized quality in home care by experienced staff members. We specialize in tailoring individualized care plans ensuring a safe and comfortable environment. We are known for our consistent great service and providing your chosen caregiver for each visit when possible.

Our home health care agency stands out due to our commitment to individualized care. We recognize that each client has unique needs, so we tailor our care plans specifically to ensure a safe and comfortable environment. Unlike many competitors, we allow our clients and their families to take part in choosing their caregiver to ensure the best fit. We prioritize transparency in all our interactions, establishing long-term relationships with both clients and their families. Our approach focuses on not just meeting immediate needs, but also helping families achieve their personal health goals. We take the time to connect the right caregiver to each client, ensuring compatibility and comfort, which fosters trust and satisfaction.

I take immense pride in the authenticity of our brand. We are known for creating a familial atmosphere where clients feel genuinely cared for and valued. Our clients often express that we become like family to them, and this is reflected in the numerous repeat referrals we receive through word of mouth. Our mission emphasizes treating clients like our own family, and this philosophy resonates deeply with both our staff and the families we serve. It’s rewarding to see our efforts recognized in such a heartfelt way.

I want readers to understand that our agency is more than just a service provider; we are a dedicated partner in enhancing the quality of life for our clients. Our offerings include essential services such as hygiene care, daily medication reminders, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errand runs, continued therapy regimens, and companionship. Each service is delivered with compassion and respect, tailored to fit the unique needs of every individual. We believe in empowering our clients to live comfortably and independently in their own homes or facilities, and we are here to support them every step of the way.

Additionally, we are committed to building strong relationships with families, ensuring they feel confident in the care their loved ones receive. Our transparent communication and dedicated approach create a supportive environment where clients can truly thrive.

By choosing our agency, clients are not just getting a service; they are gaining a partner committed to their well-being and happiness.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
As I look toward the future of the home health care industry over the next 5 to 10 years, I anticipate several significant shifts and trends that will shape the landscape of care delivery. We are likely to see an increased demand for personalized home care services across multiple states. As the aging population grows, families are seeking quality care options that allow their loved ones to remain in familiar environments. This creates opportunities for agencies like ours to expand geographically and potentially consider franchising, enabling us to maintain our high standards of care while reaching more families in need.

With the growing trends of technology, technological advancements will play a pivotal role in the evolution of home health care. We foresee a rise in the incorporation of smart devices and monitoring solutions that can assist families who may not be ready for a full-time caregiver but still want peace of mind. Devices such as remote monitoring systems, health tracking applications, and emergency alert systems will empower families to keep an eye on their loved ones while maintaining their independence. Thus allowing us an opportunity to develop a safe option for families connected to a brand they are familiar with and can trust.

We are all about encouraging healthy habits and maintaining your overall health and wellbeing while putting a focus on Holistic Care, there will be a growing emphasis on holistic approaches to health care that encompass physical, emotional, and social well-being. Agencies will need to adopt care models that address not just the medical needs of clients but also their emotional and social needs. This may involve creating more comprehensive care plans that incorporate mental health support and community engagement. Which we plan to add to our list of services in the near future.

As we navigate these changes, there will be a need for deeper research and testing of potential technological devices. Our agency will focus on evaluating which technologies can seamlessly integrate into our services while enhancing the client experience. This commitment to innovation will require collaboration with tech developers and continuous feedback from clients and families to ensure that the solutions we implement are effective and user-friendly.

To summarize, the future of the home health care industry appears promising, with opportunities for expansion, technological integration, and a deeper focus on holistic care. By staying ahead of these trends and adapting our services accordingly, we can continue to provide compassionate, quality care that meets the evolving needs of our clients and their families.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sphcllc.com
• Instagram: @sphcllc
• Facebook: @sphcllc
• Twitter: @sphcllc

Image Credits
Cheryl McCullough Photography