Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Neelima Gaikwad. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Neelima, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
Growing up as the only girl in a family of men—surrounded by three brothers—I learned early on the importance of standing my ground and speaking up. My mother, my biggest champion, instilled in me the drive to be a go-getter, pushing me to pursue my ambitions with resilience and determination. This foundation helped me develop a unique strength and self-confidence that has been crucial when I’m the only one in the room who looks like me.
I’ve learned to embrace that difference as a source of strength, not a limitation. It’s about knowing that my perspective adds something valuable and leaning into the confidence my entire family has instilled in me. Over time, I realized that being the only one can be an advantage—it pushes you to be more innovative and resourceful. By staying true to my values and having the courage to voice my ideas, I’ve learned to stand out positively. My journey has shown me that effectiveness in such spaces isn’t about blending in; it’s about standing tall with purpose and pride.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I’m thrilled to share my story and what drives me professionally! As a proud Indian woman and owner of a home care business, A Place At Home Schaumburg, I’ve always been inspired to make a difference in people’s lives. My journey began as an occupational therapist, and over time, I channeled my skills and passion into creating a flexible care model focused on empowering families and clients.
Our service model is unique, offering caregiver training at home, no minimum-hour weekly requirements, and the guidance of a therapist-led approach—bringing peace of mind and quality care directly to families. I’d love to share what makes our home care company unique and impactful!
We specialize in handling complex medical cases and supporting clients with progressive diseases, which requires a high level of expertise and hands-on experience. Our caregivers receive ongoing, in-home training tailored to each client’s needs, ensuring they are equipped to manage the challenges of progressive conditions with skill and confidence. This approach allows us to deliver a depth of care that sets us apart and brings peace of mind to families. We are very hands-on, human-driven for human-services, not just technology driven. We love our old school-methods of caring for a senior, because these help to handle all the emotional and isolation issues that our seniors face in our community and in their homes.
Our mission is to make senior care seamless, flexible, and effective, focusing on short-term recovery and wellness as well. We support our clients on their journey to better health, discharging them when they reach stability and no longer need our services. It’s a unique niche we fill—providing intensive support with a goal of recovery and independence, not prolonged dependency.
This personalized approach is something we’re incredibly proud of—it allows us to be there for families in a way that feels supportive, personal, and truly meaningful.
In terms of exciting updates, after two years in business, we’re thrilled to have received VA credentialing, enabling us to serve our nation’s veterans with the same level of dedicated care. Additionally, we’re hosting a special event early next year—our “Senior Prom Night” at a local dance studio around January-February 2025. It’s a chance for seniors to connect, dance, and enjoy an evening of fun and nostalgia. We can’t wait to share more details soon! Stay tuned for what’s next as we continue expanding our mission to serve, care, and empower our community.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Reflecting on my journey, three qualities have been pivotal: empathy, adaptability, and expertise in complex care. These qualities are the foundation of our approach and are essential for anyone striving to make a real impact in senior care.
Empathy has shaped everything we do. In an industry driven by efficiency and technology, it’s easy to forget the importance of listening and truly understanding each client’s unique needs. But empathy is the starting point for effective care, especially in complex situations. My advice to those beginning their journey? Start by learning to listen deeply. Building genuine connections and seeing the person behind the condition fosters the trust and comfort that make quality care possible.
Adaptability has also been essential. In today’s ever-evolving healthcare landscape, flexibility is key. Each client presents a different challenge, especially those with progressive diseases that demand personalized approaches and innovative thinking. For newcomers, embrace change and stay curious. Adapting to each client’s specific needs can transform their experience and create outcomes that go beyond standard care.
Our expertise in complex care truly sets us apart, especially in training caregivers to handle progressive diseases. This requires a commitment to hands-on learning and skill development. For those just starting, invest in continuous learning and seek out real, in-person experience with complex cases. There’s no substitute for the depth of understanding that comes from facing these challenges head-on.
In today’s world, where care often seems just a click away, we intentionally go back to the essentials of healthcare—human touch, deep understanding, and meaningful experience. While technology provides convenience, genuine quality care requires a balance of advanced tools and old-fashioned compassion. By integrating these timeless principles with modern solutions, we offer a level of care that technology alone can’t achieve. Our model stands as a reminder that the most impactful care is rooted in empathy, adaptability, and a commitment to learning—a legacy we aim to pass on to every caregiver we train.
If you knew you only had a decade of life left, how would you spend that decade?
One of the most significant challenges we face in home care is the financial barrier that prevents many individuals from accessing the quality care they need. Because home care is primarily privately paid, it often becomes an option only for wealthier individuals, leaving middle-class families and those on fixed incomes struggling to afford it. For those who want to stay at home as long as possible, the costs can be overwhelming, making this goal unattainable without substantial resources.
While Medicaid does cover some home care, the reimbursement rates fall far short of covering essential costs like caregiver liability insurance, extensive training, and ongoing support. This financial limitation makes it difficult for agencies to maintain the high standards of care necessary for clients’ well-being, and it ultimately impacts the quality of services available to those relying on Medicaid. It’s disheartening to know that many people hesitate to seek our services due to affordability concerns, and we constantly battle between upholding quality and remaining financially accessible.
This system creates a heartbreaking situation where people are left with few options. The desire to age at home becomes nearly impossible without substantial resources, forcing individuals to make difficult choices. Many middle-class individuals must “spend down” to qualify for Medicaid, sacrificing their independence and even their homes to access any type of long-term care. Unfortunately, the care they eventually qualify for may fall short of their expectations and the quality care they deserve. Our healthcare system often leaves vulnerable individuals without the care they deserve, making the situation not only challenging but deeply unfair. Addressing this issue would require a shift in how home care is valued and reimbursed, enabling us to extend quality services to all who need them—not just those who can afford it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.aplaceathome.com/schaumburg/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aplaceathome_schaumburg/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aplaceathomeschaumburg/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/a-place-at-home-schaumburg/posts/?feedView=all
- Youtube: https://youtu.be/T10EBP-rpvc
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