” I work closely with our clients/families to provide personalized care, support, and guidance to ensure a fulfilling everyday.”
As the COO and Certified Care Manager at Elder Options, Liz Heape-Caldwell oversees the day to day operations of providing care and knowledgeable resources to older adults, the disabled, and their families. A business that was started 31 years ago by her mother in the family’s spare bedroom of their home has now grown to over 65 employees and provides numerous services to over 250 clients throughout El Dorado, Sacramento, Placer, and Douglas counties.
Congratulations to this week’s 40 under 40 honoree, Liz Heape-Caldwell!
Can you tell us a little about your responsibilities and accomplishments in your current position?
As the C.O.O and a Certified Care Manager I manage the day to day operations of Elder Options, Inc., which includes oversite of our team, as well as the care that is provided to our clients, their families, and the community. I also ensure that our clients/families are well taken care of, as well as our employees. I could not do my job without the 65+ Care Managers, Office Staff, and Home Care Providers that show up every day with a passion for helping others.
Within my position, I am always looking for avenues to assist the community, even if individuals cannot afford our services. I am proud that we have been able to expand our services throughout the years to help so many populations, regardless of socioeconomic status. This includes working with local and federal agencies to provide home care, transportation, and care management to our clients.
What has been your favorite professional moment in the last year?
My favorite professional moment within the past year was when Elder Options was awarded a grant for our veterans. In the fall of 2018, we received a small grant from the El Dorado Community Foundation to provide no cost services to veterans needing transportation for out of the county medical appointments, testing, and treatment.
This transportation program is considered a “last resort” with referrals coming in from family, friends, Veterans Service Office, EDC Human Services, and volunteer Veterans groups that also offer free van transportation. We are called when no one else is available to assist.
Funding for this program pays for the driver and mileage to pick up the veteran, drive him/her to the appointment, i.e. Mather Hospital, McClellan, Travis AFB, VA Sierra Nevada Healthcare System, or other healthcare facilities contracted to provide healthcare services, and back home. This is a FREE service for the veteran and allows us to assist more populations in need.
Do you have a professional/life mantra that you live by?
The professional mantra I live by is A Life Lived Fully Every Day. I work closely with our clients/families to provide personalized care, support, and guidance to ensure a fulfilling everyday.
Who is your role model?
For the past 16 years, I have been able to learn from the fiercest advocate and most knowledgeable resource for older adults, the disabled, and their families…..my mom, Carol Heape.
Thirty one years ago, Elder Options was started in a spare bedroom in my home. Day in and day out, I watched my mother talk with clients/families and help them find solutions, even if that solution wasn’t Elder Options. She would work tirelessly all day, answering the phone, visiting clients, and coordinating care, all while being a wife and a mother to 6 crazy kids.
Shortly after Carol started the company, she outgrew the spare bedroom, moved into an official office, and added a home care component. 31 years later, what started out with one employee providing Care Management services, has grown to over 65 employees providing numerous services to over 250 clients throughout El Dorado, Sacramento, Placer, and Douglas Counties.
As I continue Carol’s legacy, I am committed to preserving our exemplary services, resources, and guidance to the community.
Why choose Tahoe to make your home and career?
When I started working in South Lake, I was so impressed with the level of community that was present. Throughout the years, I have meet so many spectacular professionals that share my passion for assisting our community. These relationships have facilitated collaborations that have furthered the health, safety, and happiness of our clients and families. Tahoe is not only beautiful but, the people and the sense of community make it an amazing place to be.
Are you active in any volunteer roles or community groups?
Currently, I am a board member on the Western Regional Chapter of the Aging Life Care Association. As a board member and webinar chair, I facilitate training sessions with experts in the fields of aging and disability, for Care Managers across the region. I love my role within this association and am extremely passionate about sharing all of the great work Care Managers do.
What is your favorite thing to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters, who are actively involved in dance, horseback riding, and 4-H. We love to go camping, as well as hanging out at home with our two dogs, Bella & Dede.
Where are your favorite South Shore stomping grounds?
Well, if it is lunch time I am likely to be at Orchid or Artemis. When I have some time, I love visiting Fallen Leaf Lake.