Tracy Hogan Barrand began her career caring for the elderly in her local community while attending college. She recruited student volunteers to visit the elderly on a weekly basis. The “Adopt a Grandparent” program really opened her eyes to the unmet needs of people living alone and how compassionate service was so rewarding for those involved. As Tracy recalled during that time spent, “My adopted Grandmother had diabetes and dementia and could barely get up to cook for herself. I listened to the same stories hundreds of times and felt so bad about not being able to do more. The elderly really needed a program for home care, but nothing existed at that point in time.”

Tracy is a mother of six and a Licensed Professional Counselor. She holds a Graduate Degree in Counseling Psychology from Lesley University in Cambridge, Mass and has enjoyed a successful counseling practice. Her years of experience include that of a Mental Health Worker in the geriatric unit of a psychiatric hospital. According to Tracy, “in a hospital setting or long term facility, most of your independence and dignity goes out the window. We should do everything feasible to help geriatric patients live in their homes for as long as possible.” She also served as President of a non-profit service organization providing food, meals and counseling to the needs of several hundred mature women.

Rick Roedel, a licensed Colorado Nursing Home Administrator, understands the challenges as well as the opportunities possible for those who desire to remain in their homes yet need some form of care in order to make it possible. This understanding also comes through personal experience with having parents, grandparents and an older sister live in his family’s home during the last stages of their life.

Rick will have his Master’s Degree in Healthcare Management from Colorado Technical University this year and did his undergraduate work at Wichita State University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. After graduating, Rick began his career as a sales representative working with nursing homes and hospitals, providing in-service training in all areas to educate staff on infection control, facilities management, and striving to maintain safe and clean environmental facilities throughout the Midwest.

Later in his career, Rick worked with manufacturers and wholesalers in the trade finance arena, both nationally and internationally. As Vice President of Sales and Marketing and eventually resulting in his Division President position, Rick was involved in the development industry since the late 90’s. He focused on new residential and multi-use real estate projects in both the Colorado area as well as the Midwest with revenue exceeding $150 million. Many of these projects were maintenance-free environments for individuals over age 50. He has a solid background in capitalizing on the resources available to take full advantage of building strong, caring, and talented personnel.

Both Tracy and Rick are committed to Preferred Care at Home’s ultimate philosophy of caring for others in “Celebrating life, dignity and independence”. They realize, as quoted by Stephen R. Covey, “We are not human beings on a spiritual journey, but spiritual beings on a human journey”. Tracy and Rick believe that they are privileged to extend a helping hand to those in need and have the utmost desire to help others to find “joy” in their journey.