Rampi Hijazin’s career in senior care spans over two decades. In college, she started working at an assisted living community. She worked directly with the residents, and after college, she took on responsibilities in marketing and operations on her way to becoming an Executive Director of a senior community that included a memory care residence. Her time in senior living gave Rampi an insider’s view of in-home care providers.
In her opinion, the in-home care agencies she came across lacked a certain level of quality that Hijazin recognized to be vital. When Hijazin and her husband started looking at business opportunities, the two came across BrightStar Care. “The higher standard of care jumped out,” said Rampi. “I knew right away that this was the model for us.”
It was through working in the senior care industry that made Rampi realize what it truly meant to deliver a higher standard of care and that BrightStar Care stood apart from the home-care crowd in the services that they offer.
“It was pretty clear to me right from the start that BrightStar Care was able to offer more than other brands within the in-home care industry,” said Rampi. “What I love the most about the brand is the Registered Nurse oversight at each location – every single client has access to the insight of a qualified professional who can expertly craft a care plan.”
As owner of three BrightStar Care locations in North Carolina (South Charlotte, SW Mecklenburg, and Union Co.), Rampi stays very involved. She prides herself on attending 95 percent of in-home meetings with potential clients. By attending the in-home visits alongside the Director of Nursing, Hijazin is able to have contact with every single person before they even become a client. “Those in-home visits allow me to connect on a personal level with potential clients and to let them know the quality of services we will provide them,” Rampi said.
One of the most rewarding moments for Hijazin was in 2014, when one of her caregivers, Leighshaun Blackman, earned BrightStar Care National Caregiver of the Year.
“When Leighshaun was named as the National Caregiver of the Year, I felt so surprised and honored,” said Rampi. “That award speaks loudly to the way that our whole team works and trains new employees. Leighshaun is the perfect example of the dedication our team puts forth each day.”
The niece of a client wrote an endearing letter to BrightStar Care nominating Leighshaun. In the letter, the niece noted that her aunt is very independent and had already gone through a few different caregivers before Leighshaun came around. “Two years ago, Aunt Nancy refused other caregivers. Now, my Aunt looks forward to Leighshaun’s arrival in the morning. At the end of the day Aunt Nancy asks Leighshaun: ‘When will you be back?’”
While Rampi had experience in healthcare prior to opening a BrightStar Care, she does not feel as though that is imperative to her success. In fact, to those who do not have the experience in healthcare, Rampi says, “You cannot teach someone kindness and compassion and that is the key ingredient that goes into successfully running a BrightStar Care. The BrightStar Care model can be learned, and experts in the healthcare field can be hired, but what it really comes down to is the desire to help improve lives within your community.”
When asked, if she could do it all over again, if she would still open a BrightStar Care, Rampi said, without hesitation, “Absolutely I would, BrightStar Care is by far the superior brand in the in-home care market space, and I am so honored to provide the level of care the brand promises.”
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