For more information about the author, click to view their website: Mandy's Cleaning Service
Who is Mandy’s Cleaning
Service? Or, perhaps,
the more fun question is, who is Mandy?
If you ask Mandy to share her story with you, she may tell you about a few conversations that had a powerful impact on her as a person and later as a business owner. In the early years a customer told Mandy, “The little things matter,” then proceeded to tell Mandy how much she appreciated that Mandy went above and beyond and even cleaned tiny things you might not notice. Where does a work ethic like that come from?
“When I was young and baby-sitting, my
Mom encouraged me to not simply watch the kids
but to pick up around the house and clean the dishes.” She taught Mandy that going above and
beyond would make such a difference. These
two conversations greatly shaped who Mandy would become as a person, and they
set the standard for how she would one day run her business—with great
attention to the little things. So,
what’s the story behind Mandy’s Cleaning Service?
That story began 15 years ago. Having two small children at the time,
Mandy chose not to go to work, yet she wanted to contribute financially to meet
the needs of the home. While
attending personal finance classes, a few friends suggested Mandy start a
cleaning service and even said they would help her find a few clients. She took her friends up on the offer and
began cleaning. It was just a few
homes, but the phone began to ring. Usually
it was friends of a friend or people she already knew. Every bit of it was word of mouth. The first year was slow, but year two picked up enough speed
that Mandy had to recruit help.
Five years into the business, they transitioned from contractors to employees and launched a new website, and “things grew like crazy after that.” One day while cleaning a home, Mandy said her phone would not stop ringing, and she realized this business was going to become much bigger than she had imagined. How does a business suddenly experience explosive growth?
Mandy believes it comes down to
relationships and treating every customer like they are your only customer. It became a standard practice to implement
a preference sheet, which included a variety of things each customer preferred,
even down to where the customer wanted the cleaning technician to park upon
arrival. She also wanted to add a
personal touch, which included text messaging customers before cleaning, after
cleaning, and even following up weeks later.
This type of care would later revisit Mandy in many ways. She quotes one customer who said, “A house isn’t clean unless it’s
Mandy-clean.” When her youngest
child was a newborn, customers
brought Mandy gifts and gave her gift cards.
Mandy would also tell you she places a
high value on her employees and enjoys giving them flexible hours, which frees
them up to juggle life more easily. She
describes her team as honest, hard working, and determined and has learned that
people are willing to pay for that level of service. How she leads her team has contributed to their success.
It’s humbling to look back
and see how far the business has come since 2009. Having spent 15 years doing business in their home town, Mandy’s
Cleaning Service looks to expand their reach outside of Mobile in the days to
come. “I want even more people to
feel relief that they can enjoy friends and family without being concerned
about the house.”
As Mandy’s
Cleaning Service looks
to grow and expand outside
of Mobile, the mission will always be the same. “The little things still matter,” she said. “It’s still about going above and beyond and doing those special things for every customer.”
It’s more than cleaning your home. It’s about caring for you.
If you are looking for a locally owned
established cleaning service for your home or business in Mobile and Baldwin
Counties, Call Mandy's Cleaning at 251-533-0616
Dont Wait: Why End-of-Life Conversations Cant Be Put Off According to an article by Johns Hopkins Medicine, two-thirds of Americans dont have a living will or advance directive. Planning ahead can help reduce stress and uncertainty for both seniors and their loved ones. A lot of people dont know what an advance directive is, says Lectoria Byron, a social worker with our Mobile, Alabama program. So, its giving them that knowledgeinforming them of exactly what it is and how it can help them. That eases a lot of anxiety. We sat down with Lectoria and Registered Nurse & Case Manager Amanda Albright to find out why these decisions matter and how the PACE care model fosters them. What is an advance directive and why does it matter? An advance directive is a legal document that explains what kind of medical care you want if you cant speak for yourself. It usually has two main parts: A living will, which says what treatments you do or dont want.A durable power of attorney for healthcare, which names someone you trust to make medical choices for you. Imagine for yourself, Amanda says. Someone you love deeply is in crisis because somethings happened to youand they cant find your funeral plans, your bank statements, or your healthcare wishes. They wont have time to grieve because theyre forced to focus on the paperwork and decisions that could have already been made. How does PACE help with these difficult conversations? Both Lectoria and Amanda emphasized education and pre-planning as the biggest ways their team offers support. Lectoria and the other care team members talk about advance directives during check-ins that happen twice a year. We break it up into manageable steps so its not overwhelming, Lectoria says. In Alabama, we have a basic form that requires two signatures and two witnesses, and we help guide participants through it. If a participant requires legal guardianship or their request involves filing documentation in court, we help connect them with resources like free legal aid, Lectoria adds. She said the best way to approach the conversation is to keep it simple. When you dont work directly with death or dying, its hard to know how to begin, Lectoria explains. But it doesnt take special training. You start by asking: Do you know what an advance directive is? A living will? A power of attorney? Then we offer information and ask: What are your wishes? PACE also provides brochures and other educational materials to help participants review their options in their own time. Checking in every six months ensures these decisions remain a priority. What is the advantage of a participant having their PACE team facilitate the conversation? The PACE team consists of a primary care physician, skilled nurse, social worker, physical therapist, recreation therapist, occupational therapist, and a chaplain. Amanda explains, The team approach keeps any one staff member from carrying all the emotional weight. And the participant hears a consistent message from different perspectiveseach member offering their own short summary or advice. That consistency builds trust and understanding. It gives a lot of credibility, Amanda says. PACEs structure also allows for something rare in modern healthcare: time. Were not seeing 16 patients an hour, Amanda says. We have the privilege to slow down and help people understand. That makes all the difference. Planning ahead for your care isnt just about filling out formsits about showing love, respect, and helping everyone feel more at peace. At PACE, were here to support you and your family through every part of aging, even the tough conversations. To find out more about Mercy Life, their innovative care program for Seniors and the PACE program, contact them at 251-287-8427.
For family caregivers, there is no greater comfort than knowing your aging parent or loved one is not just cared for but genuinely seen, heard, and understood. And for older adults, loneliness can be one of the quietest but most painful forms of suffering. Thats where Seniors Helping Seniors Pittsburgh steps in, offering something truly special: compassionate companionship that changes lives from the inside out. In a world where in-home care often focuses on the physical medication reminders, mobility, meal prep this organization understands the deeper truth: emotional wellbeing matters just as much. Through its peer-to-peer caregiving model, Seniors Helping Seniors connects active, compassionate seniors with those who need support, offering non-medical in-home care and something even more powerful friendship. Why Companionship Is Critical for Seniors Studies from the National Institute on Aging and AARP have shown a stark truth: chronic loneliness can be as harmful to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. It increases the risk of dementia, heart disease, depression, and even premature death. The irony is that many seniors dont talk about their loneliness they simply live with it. But the antidote isnt just more services. Its connection warm conversations, shared hobbies, laughter, and a trusted face that returns each week. Companion care for seniors has become one of the most vital services in elder support, not just for its feel-good benefits but for its life-changing results. Thats exactly what makes Seniors Helping Seniors Pittsburgh so unique. Their model fosters mutual respect and comfort because the caregivers are seniors themselves. They understand the aches and milestones of aging firsthand. This creates an immediate bond that younger caregivers often struggle to replicate. Human-Centered Care in a High-Tech World As families juggle caregiving responsibilities alongside careers and children, in-home senior care is increasingly becoming a necessity. But too often, care is transactional built around checklists, not conversations. With Seniors Helping Seniors, the relationship is the heart of the service. From grocery trips and doctor visits to baking cookies or going on a neighborhood stroll, every activity is infused with intention and companionship. This isnt just senior home care in Pittsburgh its a blueprint for how we should care for one another. Caregivers are thoughtfully matched based on personality and shared interests. This increases consistency, comfort, and trust a rare luxury in a world of rotating aides and rushed visits. Whether your loved one needs a walking buddy, someone to play cards with, or just someone who will truly listen, these caregivers provide the kind of presence that uplifts the soul. Benefits for Family Caregivers If youre a family caregiver, you already know the mental, emotional, and physical strain that comes with supporting an aging loved one. Its a labor of love but its also exhausting. One of the greatest gifts of companion care is that it doesnt just help the senior it helps the whole family. By knowing that your loved one has meaningful social interaction, you can take a break without guilt. Respite care and companionship visits offer relief while enhancing your loved ones quality of life a win-win. Real People, Real Impact One local client shared, My mom hadnt laughed like that in years. Her companion, Mary, comes by every Thursday and they bake, talk, and play music. Its like shes come alive again. Thats the difference that in-home companion care can make and its why more families are choosing this model not just for safety, but for joy. Why Seniors Helping Seniors Pittsburgh Stands Out Peer-to-peer care model: Seniors helping other seniors creates natural comfort and understanding. Flexible scheduling: Whether your loved one needs a few hours a week or more regular visits, services are adaptable. Locally owned and operated: With roots in the community, they provide trusted senior care in Pittsburgh that families can rely on. Focus on connection: Every visit is built around companionship not just task completion. In a time when elder care is often rushed, outsourced, or impersonal, this organization brings something refreshing: dignity through friendship. Final Thoughts The importance of companionship for seniors cannot be overstated. Its not just about keeping busy its about being valued. Seniors Helping Seniors Pittsburgh delivers this value with heart, humor, and humanity. For caregivers, its a relief to know someone else cares as deeply as you do. For seniors, its a reminder that aging doesnt have to mean isolation it can be a chapter filled with connection and joy. If you're looking for compassionate senior care in Pittsburgh, especially one that prioritizes emotional wellbeing, consider giving Seniors Helping Seniors a call. Sometimes, the most powerful medicine is simply being seen and being together.
Veterans Benefits for Non-Medical, Home Health Agency and Hospice CareVeterans who have served our nation deserve comprehensive support in their post-service lives, and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a range of benefits to ensure their well-being. Beyond traditional medical care, many Veterans qualify for non-medical support, home health agency services, and hospice care. These benefits are designed to enhance quality of life, promote independence, and provide comfort during challenging times. Understanding these options can help Veterans and their families access the care they need.Non-Medical Benefits for VeteransNon-medical benefits encompass a variety of services that assist Veterans in their daily lives. One key program is the Veteran Directed Care (VDC) program, which allows Veterans to manage their own care by hiring personal aides, including family members or friends, to assist with tasks like bathing, dressing, or meal preparation. This program provides a monthly budget based on the Veterans needs, offering flexibility and control over how care is delivered. Another valuable resource is the Aid and Attendance (A&A) benefit, an additional pension for Veterans who require assistance with daily activities or are housebound. This financial support can be used to pay for non-medical caregivers, making it easier to age in place comfortably.Home Health Agency ServicesFor Veterans needing more structured support, the VA partners with home health agencies to deliver professional care at home. These services are available through the VA Home Health Care program and may include assistance from certified aides who help with personal care, light housekeeping, and mobility. While these services are not medical in nature (e.g., they dont involve skilled nursing or therapy), they play a critical role in maintaining independence. Eligibility typically requires enrollment in VA health care and a demonstrated need for assistance, as assessed by a VA provider. Veterans can also explore the Homemaker and Home Health Aide Program, which provides similar support for those with chronic conditions or disabilities, ensuring they receive consistent help tailored to their preferences.Hospice Care BenefitsWhen a Veteran faces a terminal illness, the VA offers hospice care to provide comfort and dignity in their final days. Hospice services focus on pain management, emotional support, and family counseling rather than curative treatment. Veterans enrolled in VA health care can access hospice through VA facilities, community partners, or at home. The VA Hospice and Palliative Care program ensures that care aligns with the Veterans wishes, often at no cost to the Veteran or their family. Additionally, Veterans receiving VA pension benefits may still qualify for A&A to offset hospice-related expenses, easing financial burdens during this time.Accessing These BenefitsTo take advantage of these programs, Veterans should contact their local VA office or use the VAs online portal at VA.gov. Eligibility often depends on factors like service history, disability rating, and income, so a consultation with a VA representative is key. These benefits reflect the nations commitment to honoring Veterans by supporting their independence and comfort at every stage of life. To learn more visit the Veterans Affairs website at www.va.gov/geriatrics or call 800-698-2411.
We Offer Affordable No Contract Cleaning ServicesWe are a locally owned and operated cleaning service, here to give you the personal attention your home or business deserves. Our employees have been trusted to clean the homes of residential and business customers in the Mobile and Baldwin County area since 2009.We will customize a cleaning plan that is specific to your home or business cleaning needs. We meet with each customer prior to the start of our services, and based on your preferences design a service that works for you. Our employees follow set cleaning procedures that adhere to the customer's preferences. In addition to recurring services, we also offer one time cleanings for new construction and move-in or move-out services.Personal EstimatesOur prices are based on the size of your home, frequency of cleanings and personal requests. We make every effort to tailor our work to your needs and desires. Your home is unique!No ContractsMany of our customers have no interest in a long term contract. They, like so many others, have seen the quality of a contractors work deteriorate over time when locked into a contract. We maintain a standard of excellence with every cleaning and have consistently demonstrated that excellence over time. We are proud to say that many of our clients have been with us seven years or more!No Rescheduling FeesWe understand our customers have unexpected events come up. The next thing you know, people are visiting when you least expect it. Your cleaning company shouldnt add to that stress. If you need to reschedule your cleaning for a different day or time, there is no extra charge or fee.A Professional StaffAll employees of Mandy's Cleaning Service are not only highly skilled cleaners, but work at each home or office in a professional manner. We perform detailed background checks on every potential hire before they join our team. Mandy's Cleaning Service is licensed, bonded and insured so you can rest easy with our service in your home or office. Each member of our team comes to your home or office in full uniform with all the cleaning equipment necessary to do the job. Due to our high standards, each employee is provided the same type of cleaning equipment, such as the award winning Kirby Vacuum system and other mops and accessories to do the job correctly. Instead of worrying about who will be cleaning your home, you can focus on the benefits of a great clean based on your preference cleaning plan. We provide a quality service by a dependable crew to ensure that your entire family enjoys the benefit of a thoroughly cleaned home!Give us a call today at 251-533-0616 and request a free estimate for your cleaning needs.