Allstate Homecare of Buffalo goes where needed
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

The motto sums up a grand scheme of services in one sentence, "Allstate Home Care - The Patient People."

Allstate Homecare of Buffalo Inc., which moved to Williamsville last month, offers services to patients from infancy to elderly. It had been located in Buffalo since 1981.

Sheila Bernard, chief executive officer and administrator, said the move was in response to where the client base is located.

"We wanted to bring services closer to the populations out here," she said.

Allstate Homecare provides services that allow clients to remain in their homes. They also see patients in health care facilities and hospitals as needed.

"There is such a need for home care out here," Bernard said about locating at 6490 Main St., near Limestone Drive.

There are many different reasons why someone would need home care, and Allstate offers the various levels of staffing to accommodate that. That includes nurse's aides, companions and hospital sitters.

"It's an alternative to putting a loved one, or one admitting themselves, into a nursing home," she said, noting that admittance is usually more expensive.

When discussing the options of home care or placement in a facility, families should be aware that 24-hour staffing is available through Allstate.

"They are not really alone; that thought usually scares people," she said.

Bernard added that for some people, diseases have progressed more slowly when staying home, they are happier and don't have to deal with the transition.

While many of the clients are elderly, with a larger percentage diagnosed with Alzheimer's, the company also handles younger cases.

"We helps parents feel like a family. They go about being moms and dads, and we worry about the medical needs," she said.

Allstate has contracts with several facilities, including Weinberg Campus and Women and Children's Hospital, that allow Allstate's staff to assist in the complexes. This includes servicing patients who are waiting to move into a facility.

Service also extends beyond the suburban and city borders in Western New York. Through its transportation department, Allstate allows staff to travel to rural areas where care is needed - 24 hours a day.

Allstate is in compliance and has earned a good reputation, with the State Department of Health, and state social services, she said.

For information about services at Allstate Homecare, call 565-3626.