Seniors Fix Expands Support for Aging Adults in Allegany County

Seniors Fix Sign — SeniorsFix, a company that helps seniors age in place, is one of the newest tenants of the Acceleration Trail incubator.

With nearly 21% of Allegany County residents now age 65 and older, the need for services that support aging in place continues to grow. In response, Seniors Fix, a home healthcare provider based in Allegany County, helps local seniors maintain their independence while remaining in their homes.

Drawing on years of experience as a general contractor and a home healthcare professional, Lisa Claus created Seniors Fix in 2023 to fill gaps in the senior healthcare system and help area seniors live independently. Seniors Fix provides seniors with nursing support and home modifications that enable independent living and offers a cost-effective alternative to assisted living and nursing home care. The company’s monthly home maintenance program, skilled nursing support, companion care, transportation, and ongoing medication management help aging adults maintain their quality of life and achieve their goals.

Seniorsfix Lisa Desk — Lisa Claus, the owner of SeniorsFix, works at her desk at her new location in Frostburg.

This spring, Claus moved Seniors Fix to The Acceleration Trail, Allegany County’s new business incubator in Cumberland. Claus was excited to move her business to the incubator, as the affordable space and the abundance of business resources help her manage costs, make new connections on Main Street, and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs.

“The incubator space is amazing…and the support here is incredible. There’s always someone to turn to for advice, and that kind of access makes a huge difference for a small business owner,” Claus notes.

Claus is thrilled that Seniors Fix is located in the same building as the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) of the Western Region, which keeps expert advice readily available. Over the last two years, the SBDC team has helped Claus create a business plan, develop five-year financial projections, and achieve her home healthcare license. Participating in the SBDC’s Small Business Startup Accelerator Program helped Claus understand the finer points of marketing, business systems, and long-range planning.

Allegany County's SBDC office is located in the Acceleration Trail Incubator.

While the physical and psychological demands of home healthcare are many, Claus loves “putting a smile on someone’s face, helping someone, and making a difference.” The services that Seniors Fix provides help aging seniors maintain control of their lives and remain in the surroundings they love.

After one client’s husband suffered a stroke, his wife was left without support for basic errands until Seniors Fix stepped in to help. When another client experienced a pest control infestation that raised health and safety concerns, she lost access to her adult daycare services, but Seniors Fix stepped in with a solution, restoring safety and stability in her life.

“My clients tell me, ‘I don’t know what we’d do without you.’ Honestly, that’s what keeps me going,” Claus shares.

Cecilia Bonar Office — Cecilia Bonar, Director of Human Resources at Seniors Fix, stands in her new office at the Lyric Building in Frostburg.

Looking ahead, Claus hopes to expand the services that can make her clients’ lives even better. Eventually, Claus hopes to collaborate with area transportation partners to offer clients a higher quality of life and better social integration. One concept she is exploring is a rideshare service to offer reliable and safe transportation to medical appointments and community services. After completing her Medicare certification, Claus will partner with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and durable medical equipment providers to offer comprehensive home care solutions for patients who are recovering from hospitalizations or nursing home stays.

“Our model will help people get the care they need right away, which reduces hospital readmissions and supports better long-term outcomes,” Claus explains.

Seniorsfix Office — Lisa Claus (left), owner of SeniorsFix, and Cecilia Bonar (right), Director of HR, stand in front of their office signage at the Acceleration Trail.

Seniors Fix is one early stage changemaker located at The Acceleration Trail. By offering comprehensive business support and stewarding innovation, Allegany County Economic and Community Development helps businesses like Seniors Fix turn ideas into impact, transforming Western Maryland along the way.

The Acceleration Trail is one of many resources that Allegany County offers to help small businesses grow. Allegany County’s latest business news and success stories are featured on the economic development blog.

River Park at Canal Place Receives $6 Million in Direct Federal Funding

The project known as the River Park at Canal Place Trails and Trail Connections has been earmarked for $6 million through direct federal funding. The omnibus spending appropriations bill that funds the federal government for the next nine months was signed into law on December 30 and includes funding for over $35 million for projects across Western Maryland, which represents a large portion of the $200 million secured for the State of Maryland at large."I view the River Park at Canal Place project as another way to promote Allegany County's diverse outdoor recreational economy" said Canal Place Preservation & Development Authority Executive Director Deidra "Dee Dee" Ritchie. "The park will help foster community revitalization, enhance water quality, create jobs, support economic growth and diversification and offer new opportunities for people to connect with the natural environment."Ritchie also recognized the role that federal legislators representing the region played. She states "I cannot thank our Federal, District 6 Legislators (Senators Cardin and Van Hollen, and Congressman Trone) enough for securing this money for our area. The initial river park discussions began over 20 years ago. And now here we are."

Shopping Small Brings Big Returns in Allegany County

Studies have shown that for every dollar spent at a small business, 67 cents goes back to the local community. With the holidays quickly approaching, it is an opportune time to show support for small businesses in your area. Small Business Saturday, held on November 25, marks the unofficial start of the shopping season for many, and it provides considerable financial impacts on independent retailers and restaurants.“This is the time of year that really sets small businesses up to get through the rest of the winter,” explains Deidre Roberts, executive director of FrostburgFirst. “January through April can be a difficult time, especially with weather challenges, so our businesses look to the holiday season and Small Business Saturday in particular. That’s the day that will help to pay to keep their lights on throughout the winter. That’s going to help pay the salaries of their staff. That’s going to help keep their business afloat during the slow times. So, it’s a really, really important day for them. It’s one of the biggest days for them for the entire year.” 

FSU and UMCES: Partners in Sustainability Education

Frostburg State University (FSU) and the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) have joined forces to address the pressing need for a skilled workforce in environmental sustainability. This collaboration has led to the creation of a new Master in Environmental Management (MEM) in Sustainability degree option. The significance of this initiative goes beyond academia, as it plays a vital role in Allegany County's growth within the environmental sustainability sector. The program was established in response to the increasing demand for professionals specializing in environmental sustainability. While there are many environmental scientists, there is a distinct need for individuals who can contribute to areas such as environmental policy, corporate environmental management, and nonprofit sustainability initiatives, according to Dr. Benjamin Norris, MEM in Sustainability Program Coordinator and FSU Professor.  “There is a shortage of people who want to work in environmental policy, or who want to work for corporations to manage and reduce its environmental footprint, or want to work for a nonprofit organization that wants to promote sustainability,” says Norris. “We also want to help increase the number of women and people of color going into these careers.” 

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River Park at Canal Place Receives $6 Million in Direct Federal Funding

Shopping Small Brings Big Returns in Allegany County

FSU and UMCES: Partners in Sustainability Education