White Plains Small Business Spotlight: Alastar Family and Senior In-Home Care

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

• Business: Alastar Family & Senior In-Home Care
• Owners: Kathy Guglielmo
• Website: www.AlastarHomeCare.com
• Address: Home-based in White Plains

How did you come up with the name?

I wanted to name the company “Guardian” Family & Senior In-home Care, however, Guardian is a trademarked name, so I did a Google search on the word Guardian and “Alastar” came up and it just stuck with me. It’s the Gaelic name for Alexander, which means defender of man-kind. I’m a big sister, protective mama bear type and part Irish, so it felt like it was meant to be.

Why start a business in this town?

I live in White Plains, my son has gone through the White Plains School system and I wanted to be part of the community where I live.

What business are you in?

Alastar Family & Senior in-home care provides care in the homes of seniors and chronically ill, who need non-medical assistance with daily activities. We provide companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, shopping, and errands, escorting/transporting to doctor’s appointments. We help keep the elderly in their homes as long as possible, because that is where they want to be.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

The most difficult challenge has been distinguishing my company from the others. There are so many different agencies out there serving the elderly community and people generally lump everyone together generically, and it’s just not the case. As an independently owned and operated home care agency, we are intimately involved with all of our clients and go above and beyond to ensure that all of our clients and their family members are served and well-informed. We are a resource for all different aspects of information. We love what we do.

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

My proudest moment was when a family member called me and they were extremely upset and stress-out and I was able to calm them down, assure them that we have everything in place to assist their parent and they said to me: “Thank you Kathy, you are my rock.” That’s why I am in this business.

How does your business give back to the community?

10,000 people per day are turning 65 years old; the senior care industry is growing leaps and bounds. Our elders are living longer and the family structure has changed tremendously. We no longer have families all living in the same town, never mind the same state; therefore, caring for our loved ones can be very difficult when working full-time, raising our own children. That’s where we come in and provide quality care, showing respect and dignity to our clients and a sense of peace and calm to their families. Family members who know their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles are being well cared for are less-stressed and more productive in all aspects of life.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@patch.com.