Southeast woman has a business for seniors

ESTEVAN — A woman from southeast Saskatchewan is looking to provide care for seniors through her business.

Marnell Eagles is the owner of Senior Footcare by Marnell. She started the business nearly three years ago, but the number of clients was hindered by the COVID-19 pandemic. Now that people are more comfortable with heading out and having visitors, the business has taken off. 

Eagles said she decided to start the business after working in long-term care for 30 years as a nurses' aide and thoroughly enjoying being around seniors. The career change seemed to be a perfect fit.

"Just before my retirement, I took a class in senior's foot care,  and with some insightful tips from my instructor, and 30 years of great experience and working with seasoned, highly-knowledgeable nurses and nurses aides, this transition to a new career all came together," Eagles said. 

She believes the need is great in the region these days for more senior care, including foot care.

Eagles' business involves in-home visits. The client doesn't leave the comfort of their home or even their most comfortable chair when Eagles arrives.

"While always moving forward in this sector of business, I see the increased need for seniors to be able to stay in their homes as long as possible," she said.

Affordability and availability are currently the two biggest factors that she sees.

Eagles can provide soaking, massaging, and nail cutting and filing. Housekeeping services are available.

Assisted baths and showers or bed baths are available, too.

Eagles recently added bath and shower assistance for her clients, as they feel most comfortable in their homes.

While she is visiting her clients – either providing foot care or personal care services – Eagles also offers to check their vitals, blood pressure, oxygen levels, temperature and pulse. She finds it can still be difficult to access these health care needs.  

In addition to the services she provides, Eagles has added respite care. If a family member who is taking care of a loved one at home needs a break, Eagles has staff who will provide that short-term relief.

Gift certificates for the business are available.

"I am very much a people person and absolutely love meeting and visiting with seniors," she said. "The stories and life experiences and how they navigated through their lives are amazing. To say they are resilient is an understatement."

Seniors also need visiting time, and she said she enjoys every minute of her day giving back to seniors after all they have done for others.