Walter Rottmann volunteered for the Hospice of Jefferson City and Mid-Missouri until it closed in March. That's when Homemaker Health Care decided to step up and provide those services.

"There's a lot of people that we see that fall through the cracks," according to Scott Andrews of Homemaker Health Care. "They're not quite able to qualify for Medicaid services, but they can't afford also to pay privately for services."

After the hospice closed, it gave Homemaker Health Care a list of its volunteers as well as a lot of equipment. The volunteers trained for the last three weeks, and now they're ready to start helping again.

"One thing I discovered in interacting with the other patients is the enjoyment that they receive from just having conversation with you," volunteer June Bruner said.

The volunteers aren't paid for anything--even gas. They also agreed to background checks before services begin.

"In the long run you made some real friends, you know. Especially if you transported them two or three times," volunteer Walter Rottman said.

If you would like to volunteer or can provide any equipment contact Homemaker Health Care by clicking the Homemaker Health Care link.

Homemaker Health Care provides in-home support in the following counties: Audrain, Benton, Callaway, Camden, Cole, Cooper, Gasconade, Henry, Johnson, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Moniteau, Morgan, Osage, Pettis and Saline counties.

Homemaker Health Care provides the following services to Medicare / Medicaid / private pay - insurance / VA benefits:
Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy evaluation, home health aid
Home Telemonitoring
Respite care
Personal care, such as bathing, shampoo and nail care
Laundry
Housekeeping duties
Meal planning and preparation
Shopping and errands
Nursing services