Care-Giver Relief

Minding Your Business
Care-Giver Relief

When you were a child, your parents always took care of you when you were sick. But what do you do when the tables turn, and mom and dad need you to care for them? In the past, caregivers had to rely on scattered resources, mostly depending on themselves to come up with answers.

Not anymore. In June, Richmond entrepreneur Ronald L. Moore founded FamilyCareAmerica.com, a free, comprehensive resource for caregivers seeking answers, advice and help.

mybfamily.gif (9357 bytes) Given Moore’s track record with his other businesses, this venture should be a success. He founded Richmond-based The Supply Room Cos. and Office America. He also helped come up with the idea for Richmond-based CarMax, where he served as a consultant to help Circuit City execute the concept.

Moore says he started the site after facing tough questions about caring for his elderly parents. He asked himself several questions, including: "Why isn’t there someplace that helps caregivers understand what questions to ask and helps them find the best answers?" Allowing his entrepreneurial spirit to take over, he came up with his own answers.

The site provides information on everything from developing a "care plan" to providing transportation for the elderly who are sick. Participants are asked to fill out an online, confidential questionnaire describing their situation. FamilyCareAmerica.com searches its library of resources and creates a resource report specific to each situation. It also provides a local directory that lists businesses and professionals providing needed services.

— Holly M. Rodriguez