Leslee Deanes

CEO of UltraCare Services - Senior Care Health Services of the Year

Profile

Interview

Leslee, could you start by sharing the story behind UltraCare Services and your journey to becoming its CEO and building the company?

Certainly, the story behind UltraCare Services is deeply personal and rooted in a profound need for compassionate home care. It all began when my beloved grandmother fell seriously ill, requiring constant care and attention. At that time, I was a single mother, juggling the responsibilities of raising two young children while also managing a demanding career. The sudden illness of my grandmother put me in a difficult position where I had to balance my family’s needs with her critical caregiving needs. It was a challenging period for our family, as I realized how overwhelming and emotionally taxing it can be to provide adequate care for a loved one in need. It was during this time that I recognized the immense importance of reliable, professional, and compassionate home care services. My grandmother’s situation inspired me to take action and find a way to provide not only for her but also for countless others who were facing similar circumstances. I embarked on a journey to create a home care agency that would prioritize the well-being and comfort of our clients and their families. With a strong desire to make a difference in the lives of those in need, I founded UltraCare Services. The name itself reflects our commitment to providing the highest level of care, going above and beyond to ensure the well-being of our clients. The journey to becoming the CEO of UltraCare Services was marked by dedication, hard work, and a profound sense of purpose. We began by assembling a team of highly trained and compassionate caregivers who shared our vision of providing exceptional care to those who needed it most. We also focused on building a company culture that prioritized empathy, respect, and reliability in every aspect of our operations. Over the years, UltraCare Services has grown, not only in terms of the services we offer but also in the impact we’ve made on countless families. Our dedication to providing top-notch care, our commitment to continuous improvement, and our unwavering support for both our clients and our team members have been key factors in our success. Becoming the CEO of UltraCare Services has been a rewarding journey, driven by a genuine desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families facing challenging circumstances. Today, I am proud to lead a company that embodies the values of compassion, professionalism, and excellence, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve our community in this capacity. Our journey is ongoing, and we remain dedicated to providing the highest quality home care services, just as we did when UltraCare Services was founded, with my grandmother’s need for care as the catalyst for our mission.

How would you describe the core mission and values of UltraCare Services?

At UltraCare Services, our core mission is to enhance the quality of life for seniors and individuals in need of care, while providing peace of mind to their families. We understand the importance of maintaining independence, dignity, and a sense of comfort in one’s own home, even when faced with health challenges. Our values revolve around these principles:

Compassion: We approach every client with empathy, recognizing that their well-being depends on the care and support we provide.

Excellence: We are committed to delivering the highest standard of care. Our caregivers are well-trained, and we continually seek ways to improve our services.

Respect: We respect the individuality and unique needs of each client, tailoring our services to ensure they feel valued and understood.

Reliability: We understand the trust our clients and their families place in us. We are reliable and accountable in all our interactions and services.

Dignity: We uphold the dignity of every person we care for, fostering an environment that promotes self-esteem and self-worth.

Family-Centered: We recognize that care extends beyond the individual. We support families in their caregiving journey, providing them with the resources and peace of mind they need.

As a CEO, how do you balance the demands of ensuring excellent patient care with the operational and financial aspects of running the company?

Balancing patient care with the operational and financial aspects is a delicate task. To achieve this balance, I prioritize a few key strategies:

Invest in Talent: We hire and retain the best caregivers and support staff, ensuring that they are motivated, well-trained, and share our values.

Efficient Operations: We continuously assess and improve our operational processes to maximize efficiency and minimize waste, without compromising on care quality.

Strategic Planning: Long-term strategic planning helps us anticipate and mitigate financial challenges while maintaining a focus on our mission.

Technology Integration: We leverage technology to streamline operations, monitor care quality, and communicate effectively with both clients and caregivers.

Financial Responsibility: We manage our finances prudently, allocating resources where they are needed most while maintaining profitability to sustain our mission.

Can you discuss a gratifying success story or milestone that UltraCare Services has achieved under your leadership?

One particularly gratifying milestone was achieving a 98% client satisfaction rate in our annual surveys while growing 636% in 2 years. This reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care and the positive impact we’ve had on our clients’ lives. Knowing that our services have made such a meaningful difference is a testament to our dedicated team and our mission.

Healthcare often involves making critical decisions under pressure. How do you prepare your team to handle such situations, and what role does your leadership play?

We prioritize training, ensuring our team members are well-prepared to handle critical situations. Regular simulations and ongoing education help them stay composed under pressure. My leadership involves fostering a culture of communication and support, encouraging team members to seek guidance and collaborate when faced with challenging decisions. Leading by example in remaining calm and focused during crises sets the tone for the entire organization.

You provide a range of senior care services, from companionship to 24/7 care. How has our understanding of senior care changed recently, and how do you incorporate them into UltraCare Services?

Recent understanding of senior care emphasizes personalized and holistic approaches that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. We have adapted by offering comprehensive care plans that address not only physical health but also mental and emotional needs. Our services now include activities that stimulate cognitive function, promote social engagement, and enhance overall quality of life.

You also provide nutrition and well being services. Could you elaborate on this and explain why this is so vital? What impact does good nutrition have on those you care for?

Nutrition and well-being services are vital because they play a significant role in maintaining overall health and vitality, especially among seniors. Good nutrition can prevent or manage chronic conditions, boost energy levels, and enhance mental clarity. By providing personalized nutrition plans and wellness support, we empower our clients to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives, which in turn improves their independence and quality of life.

Can you shed some light on any community or outreach programs that UltraCare Services is a part of?

UltraCare Services is actively involved in several community initiatives. We organize educational workshops on senior health and caregiving, partner with local senior centers for social engagement activities, and provide pro bono care to individuals with limited means. We believe in giving back to the community and sharing our expertise to improve the overall well-being of seniors in the areas we serve.

Lastly, as someone with a bird’s-eye view of the senior care aspect of the healthcare industry, where do you envision the future of senior care heading, and what role do you expect UltraCare Services to play?

The future of senior care is likely to be marked by increased personalization, the integration of technology for remote monitoring and communication, and a stronger emphasis on holistic well-being. UltraCare Services aims to be at the forefront of these developments by continuing to adapt and innovate. We envision leveraging AI and telehealth solutions to enhance care, collaborating with healthcare systems for seamless transitions, and expanding our reach to provide even more seniors with the exceptional care they deserve. Our mission remains unchanged – to be a trusted partner in improving the quality of life for seniors and their families. No matter what the future of senior care holds UltraCare Services will always be ‘Here to Help’!

View in Winners Edition >