Working as a hairdresser and then in business administration, Jeanine Witiw always wanted to help people.

“One day I realized that there was a common denominator in the conversations with my clients,” she says. “It was struggling with the demands of working, raising children and caring for aging parents.”

Aware of Thunder Bay’s greying population and the stress on the “sandwich generation,” she purchased a home-care business. However, she found the franchise model too restrictive; its guidelines did not allow her to respond to clients’ unique needs as they arose (for example, they could only offer “light housekeeping” but often heavy cleaning was needed). Four years ago she branched out on her own and formed a company that would meet the requirements of a city with limited home-care options. Best Care Canada was born as a “personal one-stop shop for home-care services.”

Best Care Canada will create a care plan that will work for you, whether it’s once-a-week visits or round-the-clock care, she says. “Everyone is unique. No two plans are alike,” Jeanine explains. “We assess the individual or organization’s needs and will work with community groups to fill gaps and make sure our clients are taken care of.”

Best Care Canada employs about 30 people, including personal and developmental support workers as well as cleaners and companions. All caregivers are screened and have background checks.

New services will be added as needed, but the ones clients utilize the most are recreational activities, shopping, housekeeping and meal preparation.

“We are helping our community by keeping people in their homes safely for as long as possible,” she says.

The goal is to avoid premature nursing home admissions and relieve some of the burden on the health-care system.

Her father, well-known realtor Ray Belluz, taught her that business ownership is hard work, but it also provides the freedom and flexibility that a regular job cannot.

“I have been able to have time for my children and still create a successful business,” Jeanine says.

At Best Care Canada, “seeing clients and caregivers developing friendships, and seeing lives change for the better, motivates me,” Jeanine says. “We are truly making a difference.”