In 2014, Juliette and Ronald Cohen started their new business, Above and Beyond Scheduling.

“We act as a liaison between clients and caregivers,” Cohen said. “Patients need help to be in their homes sometimes. Maybe it's two hours a day or 24-hour care. We can provide both and any range in between.”

Since then the business has grow in leaps and bounds, with a network of 20 health caregivers working under Cohen, who has been a registered nurse for the past 17 years.

“People have been so supportive,” Cohen said. “It's so important to provide care for this community and help people stay in their own homes whenever possible.”

Once Above and Beyond accepts a patient, Cohen performs a complete health assessment, determining what level of care is needed. She then contacts her caregivers and finds the right fit for the client’s needs. Regular assessments are also done by Cohen to make sure the current care strategy is still working.

“I do these assessments, but the girls are on the front line,” Cohen said. “It's hard for me to express just how much I appreciate them and all they do. When hiring, I put myself in the patients' shoes. I hire only the people I would want taking care of me.”

In the two years since the business started, the numbers of families Above and Beyond has worked with has been “unbelievable,” according to Cohen.

“I had no idea how fast this would take off and how much we would grow,” Cohen said. “I appreciate the families that have welcomed us into their homes. We can help people who do need care to keep their dignity, their happiness, by staying in their homes with their pets and belongings whenever possible.”

Cohen also is thankful for local doctors and hospitals that have supported her and her work, like Dr. Oliphant. Cohen works with all insurances and whatever physician her patients are seeing, to create minimal changes in a patient's life.

“If a patient comes from the hospital and qualifies for home health care, we can work together to give the patient the highest level of care possible,” Cohen said.

“Our patients become family,” Cohen said. “They light up when they see the girls coming, and tell us they 'didn't know they could have this.' I'm so thankful to have such a reliable team I can count on.”

The employees don't just perform health tasks with their patients. Cohen said they are “very creative with activities” and they help with baking and cooking as well. Last Christmas, they had all gotten gifts for their patients, including handmade fleece blankets. One of the caregivers, Ashley Russell, had also knitted a stegosaurus costume for Cohen’s pet tortoise. Since then, Cohen has brought the “stagatortoise” along on visits, to patients’ delight.   

“It brightens their day,” Cohen said. “Our clients and families are so kind, loving, thoughtful and easy to work with. We feel so blessed.”

Above and Beyond Scheduling can be reached at 207-633-6338 or aboveandbeyondscheduling@gmail.com.