Staff Writer

The proof is in the pudding is a familiar phrase that even your grandparents probably heard as children.
This can easily be applied to Tulsa-based Oxford Healthcare and their pudding is success! And here’s the reasoning:
Today they have 500-plus  employees who help more than a thousand clients each week to live independent lives at home. Not bad since founder Steve Goforth began with a nurse and secretary.
Longevity. Goforth started the company in Tulsa on March 1, 1992 - now approaching his 18th anniversary.
Quality of Service. “We do more than meet the standard of excellence, we set the standard,” says Goforth.
Core Values. The “core of what we are all about revolves around doing what’s right, doing the best we can, treating people as they would like to be treated, and being an involved citizen,” Goforth outlines.
Since opening their doors Oxford has helped 10,000 people throughout eastern Oklahoma. The company’s success also has been validated “by the Joint Commission, Department of Health and DHS,” Goforth said.
“We really are proud of our record of taking care of people and helping elderly citizens stay in their homes as long as possible.”
Goforth, who has a business degree from the University of Oklahoma, was a regional manager for a medical supply manufacturer when he dreamed his vision to help the elderly stay in their home and be independent as long as possible.
He learned at an early age the importance of helping sick people. His father, Gary, is a physician.
And his father’s brother had been running his own home healthcare business in Missouri since the 1970s.
Following long discussions with the uncle, the idea of creating a Tulsa-based home healthcare business germinated.
 “Our mission is very simple,” said Goforth. “We are devoted to improving the quality of life for elderly and disabled Oklahomans and to maximize the independence of the clients and families we serve by coordinating and providing excellent home based services.”
Staffing includes five LPNs and eight RNs with 20 case managers, according to Pam Wilson, RN and case manager supervisor. She joined the Oxford team in 1992 shortly after Goforth open the doors for business.
Another key employee is Patty Holderman, LCSW, who has been with Oxford since 1999. Holderman and Wilson generally conduct the interviewing process for nurses.
Wilson said they do look for nurses who have experience in home health.
Holderman said experience is important, but values and a love for what they do are also very important.
“What we do when looking at applicants is look at the whole picture of the candidate.”
Goforth said, “life experience is just as important as work experience.”
Holderman said many employees are drawn into this work after they have had a personal, family experience involving home healthcare.  
Goforth noted that a large number of his office staff have been with Oxford for more than 10 years. “They love it here and are staying.”
Oxford is great for fitting in, for support care, Goforth said.
“We understand the frustration of finding care and help at home for someone who is elderly or disabled,” Goforth said.
“With just one call to Oxford HealthCare, you will have access to every service, resource and option available to help you or a loved one stay at home.”
Oxford HealthCare provide services  such as: safety supervision; allowing people to continue enjoying the independence of home, daily routines and familiar surroundings - avoiding the emotional trauma associated with changes in lifestyle and atmosphere; shopping; providing assistance with groceries and other errands as needed; and transportation
“We will provide transportation either using our aide’s vehicle or the client’s vehicle. All of our aides have a valid driver’s license and insurance,” Wilson said.
They also assist with meal preparation; providing meal planning and preparation of well-balanced nutritious meals; housekeeping and laundry; companionship; providing supportive care for an individual who needs a little extra help around the house in order to stay at home, as well as provide peace of mind for caregivers who can’t be there all the time; personal care and bathing; assistance with nail care, shaving, dressing, hair care, mouth care, toileting, feeding and transferring; medication management; and supporting accurate medication schedules through medication reminders and assistance with pill planners.
In today’s society everyone wants choices, Ho lderman said.
“Oxford Healthcare can provide today’s elderly with a choice.”
Steve Goforth’s dream of helping elderly citizens stay in their homes longer is real. It’s called Oxford Healthcare.