Merj Chu is the owner of Angel Connection Nursing Services, a home care company located in Long Beach, California, that offers a wide range of personal care services.
With roots in the Philippines and a background in Respiratory Therapy, Merj has built a company focused on delivering high-quality care with dignity and professionalism. Her journey from caregiver to business owner is marked by her dedication to providing compassionate care and her commitment to creating a supportive environment for both clients and caregivers.
How has your cultural background influenced your approach to home care?
My cultural background has had a profound impact on how I approach home care. Growing up in the Philippines, I was surrounded by a strong sense of community and family. Caring for others was not just a duty but a way of life. This has carried over into my professional life, where I see each client as part of our extended family. It’s important to me that the care we provide at Angel Connection Nursing Services reflects that same sense of respect, compassion, and commitment that I learned from my own family. I strive to create an environment where clients feel valued and cared for, much like they would in a loving family setting.
What challenges did you face when transitioning from a caregiver role to a business owner, and how did you overcome them?
The transition from caregiver to business owner was both exciting and challenging. As a caregiver, my focus was solely on providing the best care possible to my clients. However, as a business owner, I had to learn to balance that same commitment to care with the demands of running a company. One of the biggest challenges was managing the operational aspects, such as finances, staffing, and compliance with regulations. I overcame these challenges by surrounding myself with a team of experts who complimented my strengths. For example, I hired an experienced bookkeeper to handle the financial side of things, allowing me to focus on the areas where I could make the most impact, like training our caregivers and ensuring the quality of our services.
In what ways do you believe the home care industry needs to evolve to meet the growing needs of the aging population?
The home care industry is at a critical juncture, and I believe that innovation and adaptability are key to meeting the needs of our aging population. One of the most pressing needs is for personalized care that goes beyond the basic services. As people live longer, their care needs become more complex, requiring a holistic approach that includes not just physical care but also emotional and mental health support. At Angel Connection Nursing Services, we’re constantly looking for ways to innovate, whether it’s through advanced training programs for our caregivers or integrating new technologies that can enhance the care experience. The industry needs to recognize the importance of investing in these areas to ensure that we can provide comprehensive, dignified care to all our clients.
What role do you believe empathy plays in effective leadership, especially in the home care industry?
Empathy is absolutely crucial in leadership, particularly in the home care industry. As a leader, I believe it’s essential to understand and share the feelings of both our clients and our caregivers. This understanding allows me to make decisions that are in the best interest of everyone involved. For example, by empathizing with the challenges that our caregivers face, I can create a work environment that supports their well-being, which in turn enables them to provide better care. Similarly, understanding our clients’ emotional and physical needs helps us to tailor our services in a way that truly makes a difference in their lives. Leadership in home care isn’t just about managing a business; it’s about leading with heart and ensuring that compassion is at the forefront of everything we do.
How do you maintain the quality of care at Angel Connection Nursing Services while scaling your business?
Maintaining quality while scaling is one of the biggest challenges in any service-based industry, and home care is no exception. At Angel Connection Nursing Services, our approach is to scale thoughtfully and deliberately. This means that we don’t expand for the sake of growth; instead, we grow in response to demand and only when we can ensure that our high standards of care will not be compromised. We achieve this by investing heavily in the training and development of our caregivers, ensuring that every new team member is fully equipped to provide the level of care our clients expect. Additionally, we implement rigorous quality control measures, including regular feedback sessions with clients and caregivers, to monitor and maintain the standards we’ve set. Scaling our business is about extending our reach without ever losing sight of what makes our service special: compassionate, personalized care.
What personal habits or routines do you rely on to keep yourself grounded and focused in your role as a business owner?
Staying grounded and focused is essential when you’re responsible for the well-being of so many people. For me, starting each day with Mass is crucial. It gives me a moment of peace and reflection before the busyness of the day begins. This practice is almost like a reset button, helping me to center my thoughts and prepare mentally for whatever challenges lie ahead. Afterward, I create a daily checklist of priorities, which helps me stay organized and ensures that the most critical tasks are addressed first. Another habit I rely on is regular self-reflection, where I assess my performance and decisions at the end of each day. This practice helps me stay aligned with my goals and values, and it’s a way of continuously improving both personally and professionally.
How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement within your team?
Fostering a culture of continuous improvement is something I’m deeply passionate about. It starts with creating an environment where feedback is encouraged and valued. I make it a point to regularly check in with both clients and caregivers, asking for their honest input on what we’re doing well and where we can improve. This feedback is invaluable and is often the catalyst for change and improvement within the company. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of ongoing education and training. Our caregivers are provided with opportunities to enhance their skills and learn about the latest developments in home care. By investing in their growth, we not only improve the quality of care we provide but also empower our team to take pride in their work and strive for excellence every day.
What advice would you give to someone starting their own home care business?
My advice to anyone starting a home care business is to never lose sight of why you started in the first place. The heart of this industry is compassion and a genuine desire to help others. Every decision you make should reflect that core mission. It’s also important to be patient and resilient because this industry is both challenging and deeply rewarding. Surround yourself with a strong team whose strengths complement your own, and be open to learning every step of the way. Finally, always keep the lines of communication open—whether it’s with your clients, your caregivers, or your peers in the industry. This openness will help you navigate the inevitable challenges and keep you grounded in your mission.
