Merj Chu is the owner of Angel Connection Nursing Services, a home care company based in Long Beach, California, that specializes in personal care services, including in-home companionship, respite care, transitional care, hospice services for the elderly, and post-surgery care for individuals of all ages. Originally from the Philippines, Merj is half Filipino and half Chinese. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Respiratory Therapy and has a background in clinical instruction. Merj is committed to providing top-tier patient care with dignity and professionalism.
What inspired you to pursue a career in home care?
My journey into home care was fueled by a deep-seated passion for helping others and a personal understanding of the impact compassionate care can have on individuals’ lives. Growing up in the Philippines, I saw firsthand the importance of family support and care. When I moved to the United States and worked as a caregiver to support my studies, I realized how essential these services are for maintaining the dignity and quality of life for those in need. This experience solidified my commitment to creating a company that embodies these values.
How do you define success in your professional life?
Success in my professional life is multifaceted. It’s not just about the financial health of Angel Connection Nursing Services, although that is important. It’s about creating a supportive environment for both our clients and our staff. Success means seeing our clients thrive and regain their independence, knowing that our caregivers are well-trained, valued, and passionate about their work. It also means continuously improving our services based on feedback and staying true to our mission of delivering care with dignity and professionalism.
What personal values guide your business practices?
Integrity, compassion, and respect are at the core of my business practices. I believe in treating every client and staff member with the utmost respect and ensuring that our services are delivered with compassion. Integrity guides every decision I make, from how we handle our finances to how we interact with clients and their families. These values are not just professional standards but personal convictions that I carry into every aspect of my life.
Can you share an example of how you’ve applied your personal experiences to improve your business?
Absolutely. One significant example is how I prioritize the training and support of our caregivers. Having worked as a caregiver myself, I understand the challenges and emotional demands of the job. This experience drove me to implement comprehensive training programs and establish a supportive work environment where caregivers feel valued and heard. This not only improves their job satisfaction but also enhances the quality of care they provide to our clients.
What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you ensure it’s productive?
My day typically starts with watching Mass on television, which centers me and provides a sense of calm akin to yoga for others. Following that, I enjoy a cup of coffee while reviewing emails and messages. I then create a priority list for the day, focusing on major tasks such as important calls, client concerns, and caregiver issues. By tackling the most critical tasks first, I ensure that my day is productive. At the end of the day, I assess my progress based on how many key issues I’ve addressed.
How do you balance your professional responsibilities with your personal life?
Balancing professional and personal responsibilities is definitely a challenge, but I prioritize my family above all. Time management is crucial. I ensure that I’m present for my daughter’s important moments, from waking up in the morning to significant events in her life. While it requires a lot of effort to run a business and maintain a family life, it’s worth it. Knowing my priorities helps me manage my time effectively, ensuring that neither my business nor my family suffers.
What is one piece of advice you wish you had received earlier in your career?
I wish someone had emphasized the importance of self-care and mindfulness earlier in my career. It’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and neglect your own well-being. Taking time to practice mindfulness, whether it’s through a quiet activity like washing dishes or simply taking a few moments to breathe, can make a significant difference in how you handle stress and challenges.
What do you believe is the future of the home care industry, and how are you preparing for it?
The future of the home care industry is incredibly promising, especially with the growing senior population. There will be an increasing demand for personalized and compassionate care. At Angel Connection Nursing Services, we are preparing for this by continuously improving our training programs, integrating new technologies, and expanding our services to meet the evolving needs of our clients. We aim to be at the forefront of this growth by staying innovative and responsive to the trends in the industry.
What legacy do you hope to leave through your work with Angel Connection Nursing Services?
I hope to leave a legacy of compassion and excellence in home care. I want Angel Connection Nursing Services to be known for its commitment to providing high-quality, dignified care that makes a real difference in the lives of our clients. Additionally, I want to inspire future generations of caregivers to approach their work with the same passion and dedication, ensuring that the values we uphold continue to thrive long after I’m gone.