“Dear Ms. Joanne Borkowski,
I was asked to write this letter of recommendation by Touched By An Angel owner Helena Stephens in support of her agency’s desire to become a service provider for your home care program.
My role as UMass Medical School’s Provider Network Outreach Manager was to recruit community based service providers and evaluate the ABI/MFP Waiver program’s statewide service needs. I met Helena Stephens, owner of Touched By An Angel of Palmer, MA in the spring of 2013. Initially, this agency was targeted due to an increasing demand for personal care, home health aide, companion, skilled nursing, and supportive home care aide in the Hampden, Franklin, and western Worcester counties.
Touched By An Angel expressed high motivation to serve the people in the ABI and MFP Waiver programs. Helena Stephens and her administrative team expressed this desire to serve by meet the complex and in depth credential requirements set forth by the CMS HCBS waiver program and The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I worked closely with Helena and her team by providing technical, policy, and credentialing assistance.
During the arduous process, the Touched By An Angel administrative team, demonstrated effective communication, a solid understanding of the required regulatory policies and procedures, and were motivated to succeed by attending waiver trainings specific to our client’s medical and non-medical needs and the obligations to support the ABI/MFP waiver programs person centered planning process and other regulatory requirements.
Since becoming an approved provider in 2013, I had the opportunity to revisit the Touched By An Angel administrative team ate provider trainings, statewide conferences, and a variety of state agency sponsored provider meetings. During the past two years of providing service, it is apparent the Touched By An Angel is an organization capable of serving clientele’s needs while supporting the ABI/MFP waiver program’s case management team.
If you have specific questions, please direct them at 617-680-3808.”
Best regards,
Christopher G. McArthur, M.P.P.
DDS ABI/MFP Program Coordinator
“Helena Stephens served as a professional care provider for my mother for almost two years from 2008 to 2010. She was always very loving, gentle, and patient with Mom and could also persuasively cajoling when it was needed. My mom loved her and always looked forward to her coming.
Helena was very professional and proficient in her skills, and I trusted her implicitly. She was always willing to help with whatever I needed for my Mom’s care, adaptable to whatever circumstances arose, and always there when I or Mom needed her. She became my “rock” as well as a good friend. I would highly recommend her as a care provider.”
Carol P Darnley.
Monson, MA 01057
“June 26, 2013
During the years theat Helena Stephens was my mother-in-law’s care provider, she was always very prompt arriving each day and was very attentive to Mom’s needs.
Mom looked forward to seeing Helena each day, she brightened up each day when Helena arrived.
Mom needed routine care and because Helena was so dependable, we felt Mom was getting the best care. Helena was able to convince Mom that they needed to call 911 when she was having signs of a heart attack.
Helena kept my husband and I informed of any change in Mom’s care and was with her until Hospice took over.
I would recommend Helena to anyone who is looking for help with elder care.”
Sandy & Joe Bycenski.
“Letter of Reference: Ms. Helena Stephens
I have known Helena Stephens for over 10 years during which time she provided health care services for both of my elderly mother and another elderly lady for whom I had the responsibility for over 13 years. During this time I have found her to be the most caring, responsible and professional person I could have retained for their care. Helena applies herself with accuracy, thoroughness, and enthusiasm for any task. She has a strong sense of purpose and commitment. I highly recommend her for future endeavors in the field of Health Care.”
Sincerely,
Arthur A. Booth.
Selectman Retired
Town of Hampden