The Power Of "I Don't Do That"

What You’ll Find In This Week’s Newsletter

• 🫱🏽‍🫲🏽 When Giving Away Business Is Actually Good Business

• ⚡ Finding the Right Resources (Even When It's Your Competitor)

• ♻️ Meet FODAC: Recycling Medical Equipment And Saving Families Thousands

• 📝 The Resource Guide you Can’t Live Without

Hey Fellow Caregiving Warriors!

Remember the story about the dad who deserved better than the basement?

Just in case you don’t, you can read it here —>

In that issue I found a completely different solution than what another company had proposed - one that saved the family THOUSANDS AND got Dad back into his own bedroom?

Well, something happened this week that perfectly illustrates the OTHER side of that coin.

Sometimes the best solution for your parents...

Isn't the one YOU can provide.

And recognizing that might be the most valuable caregiving skill you can develop.

Let me explain...

🫱🏽‍🫲🏽 When Giving Away Business Is Actually Good Business

On Tuesday, I had an appointment with Beatrice.

She's 72, just had knee replacement surgery, and lives in a two-story home in Buckhead.

She needs a stairlift... but here's the kicker:

She only needs it for about 6 months.

Then she will be selling her house and moving to a single-level condo to be closer to her daughter.

"I don't want to BUY a stairlift," she told me. "That makes no financial sense. Can I just RENT one?"

The answer was simple. Lifeway doesn't do rentals. We're a purchase-and-install company.

So I told her exactly that: "Beatrice, we don't do rentals. But I will find someone for you who does"

"You're... going to refer me to someone else?" she asked, sounding surprised.

"Yes. I will find some options for you. You will need to use your own judgement though because I do not have any personal experience with rental companies around town. I just ask that you share your experience with me so I can pass that on to those I meet in the future who also need a rental”

There was a brief pause before she agreed and said, "That's... refreshing. Most companies would try to convince me to buy anyway."

I just laughed. "That's not how I operate. My job is to find you the RIGHT solution, not just sell you what we happen to offer."

⚡ Finding the Right Resources (Even When It's Your Competitor)

After digging around, I called Beatrice and told her “I’m referring you to 101 Mobility. They have a rental program that I think would be perfect for your situation.”

So, I called that exact sales rep that I beat and explained Beatrice's situation.

I introduced myself and said, "I have a client who needs a rental, which we don't offer. I think your program would be perfect for her."

She was gracious and professional. "I appreciate the referral. I certainly believe in a little friendly competition, but at the end of the day, we're all here to do the right thing for the people we are serving."

She even let me know that she would be referring me to anyone needing a quick install because they are just not capable of getting them in as fast as we can.

This exchange reminded me of something I've believed throughout my 20+ years in healthcare:

The most valuable thing you can offer someone isn't always your own services.

Sometimes it's your NETWORK.

Your KNOWLEDGE of the right resources.

And this applies to YOU as caregivers just as much as it applies to me as a home modification specialist.

Because caring for aging parents isn't about being a superhero who does EVERYTHING. (Even though you certainly ARE a superhero)

It's about being a COORDINATOR who knows where to find EVERYTHING.

And that's exactly what I want to help you become.

♻️ Meet FODAC: Recycling Medical Equipment And Saving Families Thousands

This got me thinking about all the incredible resources I've encountered over my career.

And there's one organization that EVERY caregiver needs to know about:

FODAC – Friends of Disabled Adults and Children.

These folks are absolute game-changers.

They take donated medical equipment, refurbish it professionally, and then provide it to people with disabilities at little to no cost.

We're talking:

• Wheelchairs

• Shower chairs

• Hospital beds

• Walkers

• Scooters

• And so much more

They provide over $10 MILLION in equipment and services annually.

And if you're doing the math in your head – yes, that means they're saving families THOUSANDS of dollars on essential equipment.

(Even equipment that insurance denies or makes nearly impossible to get approved.)

Just pay a $25 registration fee and anything that have that you need is yours at little to no cost.

I've been referring clients to FODAC for years, but I realized I've never properly introduced them to YOU.

Last weekend, Lifeway sponsored a "Wash N Tune" event with FODAC and United Spinal Association, where volunteers cleaned and repaired wheelchairs for free.

The event was incredible - seeing wheelchairs being carefully cleaned, tuned up, and returned to their owners...

It reinforced something I've always known: the caregiving journey doesn't have to be traveled alone. There are resources and communities ready to help.

📝 The Resource Guide You Can’t Live Without

All of this got me thinking...

What if I put together and gave you access to EVERY resource I've collected over two decades?

Not just home modification companies.

Not just medical equipment providers.

EVERYTHING a caregiver might need:

• Medical equipment sources (both new and recycled)

• Transportation services

• Meal delivery options

• In-home care agencies I personally trust

• Senior legal services

• Financial assistance programs

• Respite care options

• Support groups for YOU

So I stayed up way too late last night and started to create this:

I've organized it by category, included contact information, and will add my personal notes about each resource.

And the best part? This is a LIVING document.

I'll be updating it regularly as I discover new resources or as things change.

Because that's what this newsletter is really about.

Not just selling stairlifts or ramps (though yes, we do that too).

But about giving you what you ACTUALLY need.

Even when that means saying "not me" and pointing you to someone else.

Until next week,

Danielle