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August 24, 2006
Adia
by Jennifer Evans
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“Pamela wanted to do things like send flowers and in general just go beyond the regular daily errands, but her company would not allow for it. They had very strict limitations,” Arquette said.
Penson, who also had a grandmother who was bed ridden for the last two to three years of her life, had a profound understanding of how people should be treated, cared for and respected in their latter years of life.
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From left, Denise Young, Pamela Penson and Nicholas Arquette of Adia.
(photo by Chris Miller)
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Arquette and Penson decided to become partners in setting a new standard of care for the older generation. Teaming up with a third partner, Denise Young, they opened Adia, which in the African culture means “gift.”
“We go beyond the chores of daily living. We are there to enhance the quality of life,” Arquette said. “We’re there to be a friend, to find out what it is they like to do, where they want to go, what they are interested in. Of course we are going to help them with what they need, like going to the doctor, picking up prescriptions, going to the grocery store, all of that. But at the same time, we’re there to develop a
bond with them.”
Before Adia, Arquette and Penson founded Walk With Sally, a nonprofit organization that works as a support system for children and teenagers who have a parent or relative who is suffering or who has died from cancer.
It was through running the nonprofit that the two partners realized how important it is for people who are vulnerable to have someone they can trust and rely on for support and friendship.
Their caring philosophy and willingness to help those in need is what has contributed to the success of Adia. In just a short time, the business has already earned the respect of the community and is considered one of the more reliable resources for the elderly.
Arquette talked about how just last week he received a phone call from a man who needed to get his mother to an important doctor appointment. The son was busy at work and looked to Adia for help.
Within an hour, an Adia caregiver picked up the woman and took her to her doctor. After her appointment, the caregiver took the women for a scenic drive. Arquette later received a phone call from the son who said his mother wants to be picked up every week by the Adia caregiver
just to go for a ride in his car.
“Whether you need someone around the clock or just three hours a week, we do whatever we can to provide the best possible care,” Arquette said. “Most importantly, we make sure to match the individual
with the caregiver, who is best suited for them. The individual sees the
same caregiver each and every time. We really think that this is important because it gives an opportunity for a friendship to
develop.”
Adia also cares for people who have recently had surgery and are temporarily bedridden or those who have recently been debilitated by a chronic illness.
“We want to restore the dignity that is often lost when one loses their independence,” Arquette said. “The goal is to keep individuals in their home, because that is where they will live longer, that is where they feel most comfortable and that is where they are the happiest.”
Adia services the beach cities and the Palos Verdes Peninsula. Its office is located inside the Beach Cities Health District at 514 N. Prospect Ave. in Redondo Beach. For more information, call (310) 374-3674 or visit www.adiacares.com. |
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