Debbie Marcello-Bernacki founded Happier At Home and began serving the community in Rochester, NY in 2007. It was Debbie’s own family experience caring for her mother that affirmed the need to improve upon in home care. The life-changing experience came when her mother, Angela Marcello, was diagnosed with glioblastoma, brain cancer, at age 64. During Angela’s illness, Debbie and her family tried to provide the daily care for her that was necessary to keep her at home. They experienced how confusing it could be to navigate the healthcare system, and felt they needed guidance. They came to the reality that they just couldn’t do it alone and enlisted the help of a local in home care agency. Unfortunately Angela was faced with a different caregiver each day, disrespectful behaviors, and caregivers that didn’t seem like they wanted to be there. Their options for care were not clear and didn’t know whom to turn to with questions. Debbie not only knew the delivery of in home care could be drastically improved upon, she also felt an incredible desire to make a difference in the lives of others that are going through the same challenges her mother and her family went through. Debbie founded Happier At Home, providing not only in home care for those in need including seniors and the disabled, but also professional Geriatric Care Management. Since that time, Debbie, along with her dedicated team of compassionate staff and caregivers, has become an advocate for our most vulnerable in the community, and has a positive impact in the lives of the disabled, seniors and their family members.
