Evergreen

About Evergreen

Welcome! Evergreen Senior Referrals is a local referral agency, owned and operated by Damaris Mocan and Diana Mocan. Damaris and Diana are sisters-in-law, combining their unique talents and skills to assist seniors and vulnerable adults to secure housing and care services. They began Evergreen Senior Referrals after identifying critical needs and much needed expertise in their local community. ”We saw a need to educate and empower seniors and vulnerable adults so they could make informed decisions about their heath and care needs,” states Damaris.

Damaris, a registered nurse, worked at the bedside and later became a charge nurse on an orthopedic/trauma floor. Her nursing experience affords her the ability to take her nursing skills out of the hospital and into the community. ”When you work in the hospital, you’re not just taking care of the injured and the sick or administering medications and treatments, you’re stepping into many roles. You play the role of detective, assessing short term and long term needs when you prepare for admission and discharge. You play the role of teacher when you have to educate and teach patients and their family members critical information. But you’re also advocating, which is the most important role.” After Damaris had her second child, she stepped back from her nursing career, but quickly found herself missing the work. Damaris began reflecting on her childhood, where she watched her mom run an Adult Family Home for many decades. She realized an opportunity existed when she saw how her experiences could assist seniors in the community.

”I remember Damaris coming over one day and telling me she has an idea, but that she needed my expertise,” Diana states, ”Next thing I know, we’re sitting down at the dining table stepping into a sister led venture.” Diana, a current Adult Family Home Provider, took over her mom’s Adult Family Home in 2014. Diana provides a special perspective, one that is often overlooked but necessary. ”My job is to identify potential problems and troubleshoot from the provider’s point of view. When we admit residents into our home, I have to ensure certain needs are met on my end. I have to ensure I have all necessary medical orders, equipment, nursing assessments and delegation, specialty training for myself and staff. Beyond that, I need to ensure whether potential residents will peacefully coexist with my current residents,” Diana explains. At the age of 18, she became a medical assistant and began working with her mom in the Adult Family Home, ”I had a natural desire to work in the healthcare field, especially on an intimate level, so working for my mom was the perfect opportunity because our residents became family and apart of our daily lives.” With over 15 years in caregiving, Diana has worked with a variety of clients, specifically vulnerable adults with various developmental disabilities. ”Most people assume housing and care services are only for seniors, but the truth is we have young adults with special needs and that’s been our focus in our home for a few decades,” Diana explains, ”one of our current residents with special needs has been with us for 19 years.” Diana’s experience has provided her a vast amount of knowledge and skill that she applies when working with clients, ensuring all parties involved are prepared.

When working with Diana and Damaris, you’ll find they approach each client holistically. Education is paramount to their work, ensuring everyone involved has the capacity to make informed decisions.  ”It is our hope that we establish trust and rapport with everyone we work with. We know what it’s like to be at someone’s bedside and then be put into a position to make rapid and life changing decisions. The only thing you want in that moment, is to know you are making the right decision and feel supported. So that’s what we do, we make sure you feel supported and empowered to make life changing decisions. It’s like having the friend you need to fall back on.”

Damaris, a wife and mother of 2, spends her time off enjoying themed dinners with her entire family and partaking in popular northwest activities. Diana can be found enjoying the simple things in life, a beautiful sunny day and her mini labradoodle, Bear.

Language: English, Romanian