Local pair takes over in-home care

Melanie and CD Twitchell believe in-home care should be hands-on. The pair took ownership of Comfort Keepers in-home care in Kalispell so they could play an active role in supporting local seniors.

“I just have a passion for the elderly,” said Melanie.

Melanie spent years providing in-home care before she and CD assumed ownership of Comfort Keepers last year. They said they were driven by the opportunity to bring local leadership to a business that has operated in the valley for 19 years.

“Elevating the human spirit,” is Comfort Keepers’ motto, and the Twitchells are prepared to go to great lengths to do just that.

“Our mission is to give them the highest quality of life achievable,” said Melanie.

To carry out that mission, the Twitchells and their crew perform an array of services for their clients, including hospice care.

Their plan of care includes basic activities like housekeeping and personal care, but they’ve also installed air conditioning units, helped clients navigate their bills and advocated for clients at doctor’s appointments.

Melanie once bought a pumpkin pie for a Polson client who couldn’t find pies in her area.

“If we can do it, we would,” Melanie said.

The Comfort Keepers phone line transfers to Melanie’s cell phone after hours, so she remains actively involved in the business almost all the time. When an emergency shift comes up, Melanie and CD are quick to respond to the situation themselves.

“These guys are constantly on it,” said Care Coordinator Nikki Thomas. “Melanie’s with me 100 steps of the way.”

CD said the business owners take their responsibility seriously, because they know they are the only caregivers for many people who live without family members in the area.

“We give them the respect and dignity they deserve as though they were our own family members,” said Melanie.

Comfort Keepers tries to tailor care to each client by matching personalities and schedules as much as possible. Educating and communicating with caregivers play a crucial role in Comfort Keepers’ operation, and the business is looking to add to its caregiver roster.

The Twitchells believe this high level of care is contributing to a growing interest in utilizing in-home care for aging loved ones.

Comfort Keepers’ coverage range stretches throughout the Flathead Valley, and the Twitchells are looking to expand into the Missoula area soon. Eventually, CD said they would like to grow northward too. They’ve received interest from potential clients in Eureka, he said.

“We want to keep growing,” said CD.

Comfort Keepers is located at 95 Indian Trail Road and can be reached at 406-755-4030. For more information, visit https://www.comfortkeepers.com/offices/montana/kalispell/

Reporter Bret Anne Serbin may be reached at 406-758-4459 or bserbin@dailyinterlake.com.