Monica Miller saw a heartbreaking need in the lives of the elderly and disabled, and five years ago founded ECO Supportive Living in Omaha, a company that provides in-home care — and does it in a way that transforms lives.
She first became aware of the problem when her mother could no longer live independently. Miller toured several assisted living facilities, where residents were housed three to a room, without the loving care and life-enriching experiences they deserved. She wound up quitting her job to provide full-time care for her mother.
Later Miller, who has a master’s degree in human services, became activities director at a day care program for seniors.
“It tugged on my heartstrings to see how neglected they were,” she said. “They didn't want to be a burden on family, they wanted to remain independent and keep their dignity, but they didn’t have the help they needed.”
It inspired Miller to found ECO Supportive Living, a different kind of in-home care — and their services can be covered by Medicaid, the Veterans Administration or private payments.
It’s about more than tasks — it’s about social and emotional support
On the practical side, ECO Supportive Living offers a full scope of services for independent living: housekeeping, meal preparation for all types of diets, personal hygiene, laundry, shopping, medication management, mobility, accompanying clients to appointments and more.
But the secret sauce is ECO’s focus on social and emotional support.
“We choose caregivers who come with a big heart. When someone truly has a passion for this work, you can hear it in their voice, in how they speak about their clients, and you can see it in their mannerisms,” said Karli Benard, chief human resources officer. “Many of our caregivers have 20 years or more of experience, so you know they have a passion for the job.”
It's one reason many caregivers have been with them from the beginning, forging strong and enduring relationships with their clients. And here’s another.
“We have one powerful belief,” said Miller. “We treat everyone like family — clients and staff.”
What does ECO mean — and how does it enrich a client’s life?
The name ECO comes from a social work concept known as the eco-map. It’s a way of helping caregivers see the individual not just in isolation but in the relationships and resources around them — friends, family members, community resources, church, the activities they enjoy and more.
In addition, ECO Supportive Living takes great pains to match clients with the right caregivers.
First, a client care manager conducts a thorough assessment of everything from the client’s diagnosis and living conditions to their needs and interests, and even how they like their laundry folded and their beds tucked in. They’ll then arrange a meet-and-greet with the care manager, client and potential caregiver.
“We don't stop until we get that perfect match,” said Benard.
Their methods have created some remarkable transformations in their clients. Here’s just one example. Several months ago, an extremely obese, bedridden man was about to be transported to a nursing home. ECO began working with him, with his diet and mobility. To date, he has lost more than 100 pounds, can get around in a motorized cart, has no need to move to a nursing home — and he’s finding real joy in life again.
Come meet the team at their new offices
ECO began five years ago in one small office, expanded throughout the building, and finally outgrew it entirely.
Now, they have their own building at 617 N. 90th St. in Omaha, and encourage you to make an appointment to come see all they have to offer.
For more information, visit ecosupportiveliving.com.
