Today we’d like to introduce you to Mardy Chizek.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Mardy. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was a Director of Nursing in a facility and saw the stress, pain and fear that caregivers suffered from. Over time working in the senior industry as a consultant, provider and caregiver, created Charism. The pain is from seeing the loved one become a shell of who they were. The pain is the seeing family members struggle with this offering little or no assistance because of their own inner struggles. The fear is that the loved one will be treated with dignity and respect and not having adequate knowledge. Knowledge to know how to change the situation, knowledge how to recognize the problems, knowledge how and who to turn to improve the situation. Fear about making the wrong decision. Fear about our own mortality and how we will be when we are in a similar situation as we age. Charism is the road map for the medical, legal and financial issues that families face. We are the team quarter back and guide down the unfamiliar field.
This integration of all of the aspects allow the family to be family again and to be able to sleep at night rather than wait for the phone call. Most importantly, Charism provides for safety for the senior in an environment of dignity, independence and autonomy.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It has not been a smooth road. The seniors do not see that they need assistance. The families want to minimize push back from the senior. We are humans who procrastinate about the difficult decisions in life. This is one of the most difficult. How do you tell a parent that they can no longer live in their home? How do you take a driver’s license away from an unsafe senior driver? How do you get the family on the same track? How do you handle financial issues that you know nothing about? How do you ask about end of life wishes? These are the difficult questions that are easier addressed. The success has been through kindness, gentleness, openness, nonjudgmental attitude and accepting people where they are. Building a team to address the issues is essential. By walking them move through the journey by breaking the journey into smaller paths, Charism provides peace of mind for all involved.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Charism has vertically integrated the needs of the senior and their family. Charism provides basic care through the non-medical care givers. We also provide daily bill pay.
Charism will act as Powers of Attorney for healthcare and finance. Charism will become the Guardian for those who have no one to advocate for them. Charism has geriatric care management, navigation and advocacy for the complex medical issues that come from aging.
Charism has an extensive network of professionals who can assist with the legal and medical issues. There is also a set of trusted resources who can keep a senior’s home and life running smoothly and functional with housekeepers, landscaping and yard work and home repairs.
Charism is known for its tenacity. It is our mission to maintain the dignity, autonomy and independence of every senior that we are introduced to. We do this with gentle, but firm persuasion and respect.
What were you like growing up?
Grew up in a rural setting where I attended a one room country school. I was the only student in my class K through 8. In a school like this, the older students are mentors and coaches for the younger students because the one teacher does not have time to answer questions when holding class with other students. I was the oldest student in school from the sixth grade. I loved to read.
I loved being outdoors and working with the farm animals and plants. I learned all of the things that farm girls learned: cooking, sewing, canning, preserving food. We worked hard, We learned that little is under our control which taught the important lesson of accepting an outcome.
However, regardless of the outcome, there is always a new day and other ways to face a problem. I learned critical thinking. I learned to care for others regardless of their station in life. I learned to work hard. I learned to be a self starter and to look inside for strength.
Contact Info:
- Address: 4901 Main Street,
Downers Grove, IL 60515 - Website: www.charism.net
- Phone: 630.541.36893
- Email: charism@charism.net
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
