They provide everyday services to their clients, who may not be able to perform the tasks themselves, Christie Kramer said.

She owns the Goodyear business with her husband, Steve.

"We're an extension of the family team," she said. "We help with activities for everyday living - preparing a meal or feeding someone, helping them take a bath or doing housekeeping."

In many cases, clients are being cared for by their spouses or their children who need someone to take their place so they can go to work or run errands, Steve said.

"Our focus is on helping the family," he said. "The caregiver is there when the daughter is at work, making sure mom or dad is safe."

Service isn't limited to a few hours. Companions can visit the home for a short period a few days each week, every day or even overnight, Steve said.

All caregivers are trained to assist in a variety of ways, Christie said. They can serve as companions, prepare meals or do housework, run errands, remind clients to take medicine, monitor them while they bathe or assist with finances.

Caregivers are also carefully matched up to their clients.

"You have to have the heart for it," Christie said. "You have to have the intention ... it's more about relationships than a particular task someone is doing. We're someone's companion, friend, support."

A service for the public
In addition to providing in-home non-medical care, Blessings! For Seniors recently began an extension of its services.

The Southwest Resource Center, which is located within Blessings!, provides free information to the public about services available for seniors.

A library of books and pamphlets on topics ranging from Medicare to dementia is available at the center. Someone is also available by phone to point callers in the right direction, Steve said.

Every third Thursday of the month, the public is invited to visit the center for lunch and a presentation on elderly services.

Officials ask that people pre-register by calling 623-594-0819.

The "Ask the Expert" workshops feature professionals who can answer questions about care-giving, planning and senior issues, Steve said.

"We realize that you can't reach out for help until you have help in knowing where to reach," Christie said. "I want to get the message out that you can reach out to us and help comes in the way of resources, ideas and guidance."

The Southwest Resource Center, 15655 W. Roosevelt St., Suite 105, in Goodyear, is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

Blessings! For Seniors is at the same address and officials can be reached by calling 623-594-0819.

More information is available at www.blessingsforseniors.com.

Sara Drew can be reached by e-mail at sdrew@westvalleyview.com.