ComForCare Mercer Releases Free Home Care Readiness Checklist
ComForCare Mercer in Mercer County, New Jersey introduces a practical, time-saving resource shaped by 15 years of family-led home care experience under Mike Durkin.
MERCER COUNTY, NJ / ACCESS Newswire / January 23, 2026 / ComForCare Mercer today announced the release of a free Home Care Readiness Checklist, a short, practical tool designed to help individuals and families quickly assess whether home care support may be needed-and how to prepare before a crisis forces rushed decisions.
Built for everyday people, not professionals, the checklist reflects how ComForCare Mercer has approached home care for the past 15 years: listening first, staying accessible, and solving real problems in real time.
"We were just trying to help our own family," says Mike Durkin, CEO of ComForCare Mercer. "And it shouldn't have been that hard."
That early experience-struggling to find reliable care for elderly relatives-shaped both the business and this new resource. The checklist is meant to reduce confusion, stress, and costly mistakes that families often face when care decisions are made too late.
Why This Resource Matters Now
Families often underestimate the real-world cost of waiting too long to plan for care. National data highlights the scope of the problem:
Nearly 1 in 4 adults over 65 falls each year, often triggering long-term care needs.
Hospital readmissions among seniors cost individuals and families billions annually, with many linked to inadequate in-home support.
Informal caregivers spend an average of 20+ hours per week providing care, leading to burnout and lost income.
Emergency placement decisions can increase care costs by 30-50% compared to planned, in-home support.
"You're dealing with real people and real stress," Durkin says. "You can't run this like a spreadsheet."
The checklist is designed to bring structure to that stress-before it becomes overwhelming.
What's Inside the Home Care Readiness Checklist
The free resource helps individuals and families:
Identify early signs that support may be needed
Clarify daily care gaps before they become emergencies
Prepare questions families forget to ask under pressure
Think through caregiver fit, not just availability
"Skill matters, but personality matters just as much," Durkin notes. "You can't force a fit."
That belief is built into the checklist, which prompts users to think about routines, preferences, and communication styles-not just physical needs.
Use This in 15 Minutes
The checklist was intentionally designed to be fast and practical.
In 15 minutes, users can:
Print or open the checklist on a phone or tablet
Answer simple yes/no and short-response questions
Flag immediate risks or concerns
Walk away with a clearer picture of next steps
"If something happens at night, you don't want voicemail," Durkin says. "You want a person."
The checklist helps families know when they may need that level of support-and when they still have time to plan.
Common Mistakes People Make When Planning Care
ComForCare Mercer sees the same patterns again and again. The checklist directly addresses these common mistakes:
Waiting for a crisis before asking for help
Choosing care based on speed instead of fit
Ignoring overnight and weekend needs
Assuming family members can "figure it out" long-term
"We had clients who were unhappy at first," Durkin says. "Not because the caregiver was bad, but because it wasn't the right match."
The resource encourages early, thoughtful planning so families can avoid reactive decisions.
How to Use the Resource Today
ComForCare Mercer encourages individuals and families to:
Download the free checklist
Complete it honestly in one sitting
Share it with a spouse, sibling, or adult child
Use it as a starting point for informed conversations
"You earn trust by showing up," Durkin says. "Again and again."
The checklist is available at no cost and can be used independently, with family members, or as preparation before speaking with a care professional.
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About ComForCare Mercer
ComForCare Mercer is a family-owned, non-medical home care provider serving Mercer County, New Jersey. Operated for 15 years by CEO Mike Durkin, his wife, and son, the company focuses on quality, accessibility, and helping seniors age peacefully at home. Services include 24/7 care, live-in care, overnight care, and affordable home care solutions for elderly individuals and their families.
Contact:
SOURCE: ComForCare Mercer
Information contained on this page is provided by an independent third-party content provider. XPRMedia and this Site make no warranties or representations in connection therewith. If you are affiliated with this page and would like it removed please contact [email protected]
