Why Us . . .
Lynn Van Norman, Founder
Making the switch from a 16-year career in Pharmaceuticals to the world of Post-Acute Care was an unexpected delight! Leading and mentoring Business Development, Operations and Clinical Liaison teams in Hospice and Long-Term Care at a Local, Regional and National Level offered the opportunity for frequent contact with patients and families. It ignited my passion to help others through some of their darkest days . . . especially seniors. It wasn’t unusual for friends . . . and friends of friends . . . to reach out asking for guidance as they navigated the complex Senior Care and Post-Acute industry. After my division with a National Senior Care Referral Agency was dissolved early Covid, I realized that I could be of greater service to people by combining the past 12 years of my Hospice and Long-Term Care experience and fill “gaps” that I discovered along the way. I have prayed a lot as I’ve searched for a new career home . . . and when my non-compete expired, I took it as a sign that I am supposed to share my knowledge of this industry and help others.
So, here I am . . . Care-Connectors is READY to shine a light during some of the most challenging days that families face. I’m armed with a network of incredibly caring industry experts to help us on this journey.
I’ve walked in your shoes! As I write this, my mom (pictured with my niece, Olivia) is recovering from a serious fall. I have to admit, knowing the “behind the scenes” of this industry can sometimes be a curse . . . and, adding the challenges with Covid into the mix, makes for some incredibly stressful days. I was emotionally and physically exhausted when I got word that my mom was accepted where I wanted her to go. In fact, I sat in my car and cried. Being on the flip side, as the adult daughter of a mom facing challenges, puts the experience into a totally different perspective than working in the industry. I lived the days of leaving home early to be with her at the hospital in time for the doctors to round and then felt guilty as I rushed out the door to find her a place to discharge to. I didn’t want just “any” place . . . I wanted a place that would best fit my mom’s needs. That’s what Care-Connectors will do for you, too! Treat you just like you and your loved one are family . . . because that’s what you deserve!
Care-Connectors will not send “blanket” referrals to all the Senior Care, Senior Living Facilities and/or In-Home Care Agencies we partner with. We will talk with you to find the right fit not only for care needs, location and budget but also preferences and desires. We will narrow the list to 3 to 4 so you are not overwhelmed and wasting time. THIS sets us apart!! This is a FREE service to our clients. We earn a referral fee from our contracted partners when a placement is made, which is the industry standard.
Veterans should be honored, recognized and
appreciated!
As a Hospice leader, I led Veteran Liaisons through the We Honor Veterans program. This incredible organization is a joint collaboration with the VA and NHPCO (National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization) that SOME Hospice, Senior Living Facilities and Senior Care Agencies belong to. I’ll NEVER forget the day when I went to a Senior Living Facility on Memorial Day and saw a gentleman sitting ALONE, in a wheelchair, in the hall, staring at a wall. I was a new manager with this company and I didn’t realize the staff I was there to work with . . . didn’t work on Memorial Day. So, I asked this gentleman if he’d like to go out onto the porch. He gave me a big smile and said “that would be wonderful!” I discovered he was a WWII Veteran! I spent an hour tearfully listening to stories giving honor and remembrance to his fellow soldiers who lost their lives in the war . . . he talked about his fiancé anxiously awaiting his return and the life they made after the war. He thanked me for spending time with him . . . I THANKED HIM for our FREEDOM and for sharing such special and difficult memories with me. This facility didn’t do anything to honor, appreciate or recognize veterans . . . NOTHING!!! Yes, I’m wiping my tears as I type this! THIS is one of the GAPS I’ve discovered. Care-Connectors will help connect and place veterans with Senior Living Facilities and Senior Care Agencies that honor, appreciate and recognize veterans!
My dad is a veteran! He and my brother, Rich, are pictured on the plane of the Greater Peoria Honor Flight. Rich was dad’s Guardian. What an incredible experience the two of them shared!