Trio launches ‘one-stop shop’ for senior care in eastern Idaho

IDAHO FALLS – Being a one-stop shop for those looking for supportive services for their aging loved ones is the goal of a new business in Idaho Falls.

James Johnson and his managing partners, Tyler Drewes and Mike Beckstead, launched AgeWell Connections in September. It offers free placement assistance for assisted living, in-home nursing or memory care. It also does home safety evaluations, home renovations and installations for grab bars, stair lifts and other accessibility equipment. It also connects clients with law attorneys, estate planners, home watch services and other resources.

“Everything that a senior and their family may need, we can help with under one umbrella,” Johnson tells EastIdahoNews.com. “Most families don’t know where to start, and a lot of families wait until it’s an emergency. It’s usually stressful and chaotic, and our goal is to make it as stress-free as possible.”

Although there are other businesses in eastern Idaho that offer these services separately, Drewes says this is the only company that provides them under one roof.

The trio have crossed paths over the years working in different aspects of senior care. Johnson and Drewes previously worked at MorningStar Senior Living. Beckstead was with Visiting Angels — the largest non-medical home care agency in eastern Idaho — for 20 years. Their individual backgrounds prompted them to join forces and offer something unique and convenient for customers.

“We want to be a trusted brand and a personal touch to the community and to our clients,” says Johnson.

Serving the community is an integral part of AgeWell Connections. In the photos above, Johnson, left, Drewes and Beckstead are serving at the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen. | Courtesy James Johnson

Beckstead says caregiving is one of the most important jobs nationwide, and those who do it well have loyal clients.

“Finding that magic way of making caregivers a household word that means a lot to (the caregiver) and the people they serve … is what we’re striving for,” says Beckstead. “We want to make it a win-win-win situation for everyone involved.”

Drewes says the business is just getting started, and they have big plans in the works. Details will be forthcoming as those plans are solidified.

But for now, Drewes says they’re excited to serve the community.

“With all of us combined, we have over 50 years of experience in the senior living space. We want to utilize all that knowledge, all the skills to … build a team of people for whatever else we decide to do in the near future. This is just the beginning,” says Drewes.

Visit the website to learn more. You can also call (208) 244-0040.