Candice Ray is transforming senior care with personalized support.
Helping Hands Warming Hearts focuses on delivering healthy meals, offering home health support, and providing medical transportation services.
Candice Ray, a native of North Philadelphia, knows firsthand the struggles underserved communities face in accessing quality healthcare. Her journey started at 16 when she secured her first summer job at a nursing facility, sparking her passion for patient care, healthcare operations, and advocating for the elderly. This early experience inspired her to work toward bridging the gap between technology, policy, and compassionate in-home care for seniors.
Ray holds a Master’s in Health Care Ethics and a Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration from Saint Joseph’s University. She gained valuable experience working at renowned institutions like Montefiore, Mount Sinai, and Temple Health. Her expertise in implementing Epic systems, handling claims, credentialing providers, and strategizing patient movement makes her uniquely qualified to support seniors.
Seeing the increasing challenges in senior in-home care, Ray took action. In 2019, she founded Helping Hands Warming Hearts LLC (HHWH), a company focused on providing nutritious meals, home health support, and medical transportation services.
The Impact of Healthcare Policy on Senior Nutrition and Care
Recent changes in healthcare policy, especially the expansions of Medicare and Medicaid, have improved access to home and community-based services. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) now recognize that aging in place is often more cost-effective and better for seniors’ mental and physical well-being.
“The government understands that keeping seniors at home with proper care is more sustainable,” Ray explains. “We’re ready to meet this demand with services that help seniors stay healthy and independent.”
With rising food costs due to inflation, funding senior meal programs has become more challenging. Ray continues to push for increased investment in food programs to ensure all seniors in need have access.
A Warm Meal with a Personal Touch
A standout service offered by the agency is Inflight Cuisine, a meal delivery program that provides seniors with nutritionally balanced meals tailored to their specific dietary needs. “We treat our seniors like family,” Ray says. “Our goal is to serve them meals that feel like home—warm, comforting, and nourishing.”
The program begins with an intake assessment to note any dietary restrictions. Participants then choose from a variety of menu options, including international dishes, ensuring they feel included and valued. This personalized approach makes Inflight Cuisine a vital part of the agency’s mission to enhance seniors’ well-being.
Empowering Independence with Personalized Care
HHWH focuses on promoting independence by training caregivers to support self-sufficiency while providing essential care. “In-home care is about finding the right balance between independence and assistance,” Ray explains. “We provide the tools and resources seniors need to feel empowered, whether through assistive devices, community engagement, or personalized care plans.”
Caregivers help seniors maintain their confidence and independence by encouraging familiar routines and daily activities, allowing them to continue living life on their own terms.
A Holistic Approach to Health and Wellness
HHWH goes beyond traditional in-home care by offering health screenings, transportation services, personal care, and companionship. “Healthcare can be overwhelming for seniors and their families,” Ray explains. “We aim to simplify the process by acting as a one-stop concierge for home and community-based services.”
Thanks to expanded telehealth policies, more seniors can now access virtual medical consultations, minimizing the need for unnecessary travel. “We’re integrating telehealth into our in-home care model,” Ray shares. “This ensures our clients get timely medical care without additional risks.”
With rising transportation costs, the agency prioritizes ensuring seniors can attend medical appointments. They collaborate with policymakers to advocate for increased funding and resources for senior mobility programs.
Adapting to Evolving Needs
HHWH consistently adapts its services through regular health assessments, caregiver training, and ongoing communication with clients and their families in an ever-changing healthcare environment. “We build strong relationships with our participants,” Ray says. “By staying proactive with monitoring and education, we adjust our care to ensure the best outcomes.”
Ray stays current with industry trends by integrating new techniques and technologies to improve services. With federal initiatives aimed at better in-home healthcare funding and increased scrutiny on long-term care facilities, she believes agencies like hers are more vital than ever. “The future of senior care is home care,” Ray emphasizes. “We’re ready to provide high-quality, comprehensive support to help seniors age with dignity.”
