Star City Six – Michelle Hill
Graceful In home Healthcare LLC (www.GracefulInHomeCare.com) is a locally owned, nonmedical company that is setting a new standard of care. Graceful not only assists the elderly, but also younger adults and children with disabilities. They are establishing themselves in the healthcare industry as a resource for new moms who need extra help during pregnancy, in addition to providing care after birth as well. Graceful also offers travel companionship for flights and transportation to doctors appointments, shopping errands, and so much more. Michelle Hill is the clinical intake coordinator for Graceful In Home Healthcare.
How did you get started in the business?
I started in nursing 21 years ago after the death of my fiancé. As a single mom, nursing was a way to provide for my family. I moved up quickly at Tabitha to become an AMA charge nurse on the Solarium unit for Alzheimer patients. I worked for several years on the Maseman unit for hospice patients at Tabitha as well. I was fortunate to be surrounded by some of the best nurses Lincoln has to offer.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced professionally?
Transitioning from long-term care to in-home care, and building Graceful In Home Healthcare from the ground up alongside Grace Kats, RN. Healthcare isn’t always user friendly; there isn’t a roadmap to becoming providers to various entities such as VA contract, Medicaid waiver, and Medicaid, not to mention each individual long-term care insurance company that our clients have. We have met each challenge head on and it’s rewarding to see the fruits of our labor unfold.
Tell us a little about your family.
I have two children. My son Michael works for Lincoln Concrete and my daughter Monique works for Midwest Towing. I’m also blessed with five grandchildren, four boys and one girl. They are the best gifts I could ask for! And I can’t forget to mention my son-in-law, Chris. Having family close by, being able to see them grow up and be part of their lives, is all a mom can ask for.
What is the most unique or interesting thing about you that most people probably don’t know?
Both of my kids were born on the same month and day, just two years apart! So, they have the same birthday, which makes it pretty easy to remember. I just have to remember the years—1987 and 1989.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
My grandfather was blind and he had an amazing perspective on life. He could not judge you based on what he saw, so he relied on his other senses. One day, during one of our many talks, he told me to be a listener. There are enough people talking in this world; learn to listen.
If you could choose only one descriptive word to be remembered as, what would it be?
Listener.
What is your favorite book or the last good book you read?
The Case of Lucy Bending by Lawrence Sanders.
What is your favorite local restaurant?
It’s a tie between Mazatlán II Mexican Restaurant and Backyard Burger. Mazatlán II serves the BEST fajitas in Lincoln and Backyard Burger is my comfort food—it can make me smile even after a tough day at work.
If you could have dinner with one famous person from the past or present, who would it be?
American comedian George Burns.
If our readers would like to contact you, how should they do so?
Phone: (402) 387-7933; Email: contact@gracefulinhomecare.com; Website: www.GracefulInHomeCare.com.