Southport Magazine

The administrative staff of Coastal Companion Care, from l. to r.: Mike Ramsey, director of operations; Sandy Cash, RN, service supervisor; and Dell Cagle, human resources director. Photo by Bethany Turner

It’s no small secret that Southport and surrounding areas remain sought-after locales for retirees, while many residents who grew up here choose to stay and live out their lives along the coast. As we age, and pain or disability sets in, sometimes it becomes difficult to carry out daily tasks. One of the local businesses offering in-home assisted living care to regional seniors is Coastal Companion Care, based in Southport.

We caught up with the manager, Mike Ramsey, to learn why he joined the team at Coastal Companion Care and the services this business provides.

Coastal Companion Care is located at 5101 Southport-Supply Rd. SE #4. For more info, call (910) 457-5300 or visit www.coastalcompanioncare.com.

Southport Magazine (SM): I understand you began your work in the pharmaceutical industry. But you’ve also taught algebra to middle and high school students! How did you end up at Coastal Companion Care?
Mike Ramsey (MR): The pharmaceutical company I was with was offering early outs with those that had time as they were cutting back on staff, and I became a marketer with a DME [durable medical equipment] company and later became marketing manager with another home-care agency in this area.

I met the owners of Coastal and it started from there: I had experience in DME that seniors may need and also knew the home care and hospice programs. I also lobbied at the state capital for better home care rights for the elderly.

SM: What do you enjoy most about providing in-home assisted living care for the community?
MR: I love the fact that we make a daily difference in people’s lives and that we can say at the end of the day that we helped someone and made their life a little easier. Just as caregivers did before my father and younger brother passed away, it was great knowing that the caregiver was there to help them. My dad would be waiting and looking for his help each day.

SM: What are some services offered by Coastal Companion Care that the public may not be aware of?
MR: We offer Alzheimer’s and dementia care, monitoring and medication care, meal preparation, help with errands and transportation, hospice and respite care, and light housework such as dusting vacuuming, laundry and ironing.

SM: What sets you apart from other providers?
MR: Coastal Companion Care was started as a private and personal caregiver company meeting the needs of our clients on a more personal basis—with meet-and-greets, where the clients get to meet the caregivers before they service them, and also our free in-home assessment provided by a state RN [registered nurse]. Not to mention that we pray for our clients and their families in our office almost on a daily basis.

SM: Favorite food?
MR: …Many.

SM: Favorite book?
MR: “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee.

SM: Favorite music?
MR: Gospel and beach.

SM: Favorite place to travel?
MR: Cruising.

SM: Favorite thing about Southport?
MR: All the different food places.