Steve Gurney of the Positive Aging Community recently sat down with Tom Najjar, Co Founder & President, and Heather Najjar, Co Founder & Chief Clinical Officer of CarePlus Home Health, to reflect on the organization’s three decades of service, its deep roots in the community, and its vision for the future.A Personal Start Focused on QualityCarePlus Home Health was founded in 1995 when Tom Najjar was caring for his father during end-of-life. The experience inspired him to launch CarePlus not only as a business but as a mission to provide quality, compassionate care. From the start, Tom emphasized quality over growth: “We wanted to have a good reputation and rely on referrals rather than advertising. We built a reputation we’re proud of and made many partnerships within the community.”Leadership with Clinical StrengthHeather Najjar, a doctorally-prepared nurse practitioner with 32 years of experience, helms the clinical side of CarePlus. She leads a robust team, all registered nurses, ensuring education and professional development are continual priorities. “Our clinical leadership team is especially strong,” Heather shared, highlighting ongoing training and opportunities for caregivers to develop their skills.Flexible, Community-Based CareCarePlus stands out for its adaptable approach to home care. The organization has established close partnerships with a variety of residential settings, including independent and assisted living communities, and offers what it calls "flex care." This allows clients to receive services starting at just 30 minutes and up to full 24/7 care, making professional support accessible and affordable even for those who might only need occasional help.Heather noted the unique value CarePlus brings to independent living communities that lack in-house healthcare: “We fill the gap where there’s either no care or not enough care, providing everything from hands-on support to light housekeeping and transportation.”Commitment to Excellence in TrainingA key differentiator is CarePlus’s investment in professional training. All caregivers undergo an annual two-day skills event as well as in-person orientation and return demonstrations for new employees. The clinical team regularly refreshes caregiver skills and provides remediation when needed. Tom credits much of the company’s reputation and client satisfaction to this strong foundation of education and support: “The strength is the clinical team, making sure our caregivers are up to speed on what they need to know and do.”A Culture of Collaboration and Giving BackTom and Heather emphasized the importance of collaboration—both within their team and across the wider caregiving community. Tom reflected, “I don’t look at competitors as competitors. We refer to and rely on each other for services and information. It makes us all stronger.” This collaborative ethos extends to supporting other agencies and building a network of trusted providers.Looking Back and AheadWith staff members who have remained part of the CarePlus team for decades, Tom and Heather are proud of the supportive community they’ve built, not only among clients and families but also within their own organization. As Heather summed up: “I love the focus on training and a career path for our caregivers. It's a wonderful mission.”As CarePlus enters its fourth decade, the Najjars’ commitment remains unwavering: delivering personalized, quality care while supporting caregivers and the entire community. Their story showcases what’s possible when compassion, professionalism, and community engagement come together in service of others.