Jeremy Ratliff
Editor
Wednesday, June 10, marked the 10th anniversary of Kindhearted Home Care’s (KHC) service to the Merrill community.
Owned and operated by Merrill native Diane Goetsch, KHC was founded in 2010.
“While offering limited services as part of a side business I operated, I saw a growing need for home care and assistance services in the local community,” Goetsch explains of her inspiration to establish KHC.
“That motivated me to open my own business and offer those services full-time in the community.”
When Kindhearted Home Care initially opened on June 10, 2010, Goetsch’s only employee was her daughter Sarah, who had recently obtained certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant. At that time, KHC offered supportive home care services, including assisting clients with household tasks such as cleaning, cooking, laundry and bathing. Goetsch quickly realized the need for such services was in much higher demand than she anticipated, which led to rather rapid growth for KHC in a rather short time.
Within the first year of operation. KHC grew to a staff of 12.
By the spring of 2012, a combination of strong community support and internal growth led Diane to pursue expanding KHC’s services to include state licensed adult daycare; providing daytime programming and respite care. In May of 2012, KHC found a new home at 101 North Scott Street in Merrill, near the intersection of Scott and First Streets.
As Goetsch explains, KHC continued to experience growth following the expansion to adult daycare services; adding another five employees. In 2013, KHC’s reach of services expanded once again, to include children’s respite care.
Kindhearted Home Care’s most recent transition transpired in 2016 with the relocation to it’s new 5,000 square foot facility located at 120 S. Mill Street. The newly built facility was over twice the size of the Scott Street location, and accommodated yet another expansion of service; a 1,500 square foot health and fitness center.
Kindhearted Home Care now employs 25 staff consisting of both full and part-time employees and maintains a client base of 250. To date, KHC has served over 700 in the Merrill community and surrounding areas.
When asked of KHC’s key to success over the last decade, Diane Goetsch didn’t hesitate with an answer; “Adapting to changing needs in the community and being open to new ideas.”
“Clients we have served over the last 10 years have brought very meaningful experiences, each and everyone left their mark on with us in some way shape or form,” Diane adds with a smile.
’It’s funny to think sometimes how random moments will suddenly remind us of a past client. Those types of memories are made every day. It’s that person-to-person contact and relationship building aspect that not only keeps me motivated in continuing to offer our services, but for my staff as well.”
“I would like to thank the Merrill community and surrounding areas for their support over the years. The evolution of our services really stems from the recommendations and support from the community.”
For more information on Kindhearted Home Care and services offered, Diane can be reached at (715) 218-3772, email [email protected] or stop in at 120 S. Mill St., Merrill.