Guardian Angels Homecare (www.guardian-angels.us) provides non-medical care services to clients in southeast Nebraska, with offices in Lincoln and Auburn. Larry Gadeken is the Director of Guardian Angels Homecare.
Tell us a little about your business. – Guardian Angels Homecare was founded in 2003 by Tony Fulton. The sentiment that moved Tony to start Guardian Angels Homecare remains the same today. We see value in each person that we work with. That not only extends to our clients but also their families and our caregivers. We provide non-medical care in whatever setting someone may live in. The tasks our caregivers assist with include such things as: bathing, dressing, grooming, transportation, light housekeeping, meal preparation, errands, pet care, and more. We are there to make the life changes our clients and their families go through easier.
How did you get started in the business? – Several of my past roles have given me the skills I use every day at Guardian Angels. My educational background is in psychology, and as a lieutenant and Training Coordinator at Lancaster County Corrections I was given the opportunity to work with individuals struggling in many areas of life. As the owner of Hope Rehab Equipment Company I gained insight into the medical field and specifically the use of adaptive and rehabilitative equipment. The people that I assisted had suffered some type of physical setback and were working to become independent. It is a blessing to help our clients remain independent and enjoy a higher quality of life than they would without our support.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally? – Changes in the healthcare system caused a change in my career path. Going through my own life changes helped me to have a better understanding and empathy for the life changes that our clients and their families face every day. I also experienced the value of having caring people in my life that were willing to walk through the difficult times with me. That is what Guardian Angels strives to do every day with every client.
What has been your most important achievement professionally? – Helping to create a friendly senior care environment that extends beyond Guardian Angels Homecare. My professional and personal goals are the same, which is to serve and care for others. I am a part of numerous coalitions, boards, and groups that work with seniors in some capacity. We work hard to make sure we all do it well.
Tell us a little about your family. – My wife Kathleen and I met in college. She is an artist and has her own business, The Coloring Book Artist. We have two children, Stephanie and Christopher. Stephanie and her husband Jeremy and son Hayden live in Texas and my son Christopher and his wife Danica live in Lincoln.
What is your favorite thing to do on a day off? – Spending time with family and friends, working outside and when I have time, riding my motorcycle.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know? – I was once in full-time ministry as a pastor with the Christian & Missionary Alliance church. I’m still involved in counseling ministries.
What local non-profit organization(s) are you passionate about or involved with, and are there any special reasons why? – Through my church we sell coffee. All of the profits go to people in extreme poverty in Manila, Phillippines. Check it out at www.kozcoffee.com.
What is your favorite local restaurant? – Lazlo’s.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so? – At (402) 474-4000, via email at info@guardian-angels.us, or visit our website at www.guardian-angels.us.