Rosalynn Carter, the former first lady who started the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving, famously stated that there are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will become caregivers and those who will need caregivers.
Research has shown that feeling lonely seriously impacts physical and mental health. For this reason alone, hiring home care services for seniors may be worthwhile. Caregivers can serve not only as personal care assistants, but also as companions or “senior helpers” for that much-needed human interaction, and partners for errands and in-home activities.
Home improvements, modifications and repairs can help older adults maintain their independence and prevent accidents. A home modification adapts a living space so that occupants can live safely, perform tasks better and live independently, despite their physical limitations.
“I get by with a little help from my friends” is not just a famous lyric from the Beatles! It also describes the boost that some seniors need in order to retain their quality of life when their body or mind isn’t fully cooperating. If your elderly parent or loved one is showing a few signs of struggle with shopping or cooking and mostly needs a companion as opposed to a caregiver, a part-time personal assistant can be the perfect fit.
The holiday season can be both a time of great joy and extra stress, especially for older adults and their caregivers. Holidays represent family, emotion, memories of times past as well as the reality that things aren’t how they once were. The good news is that there are several strategies that help manage stress.
Often, bringing up the person’s memory and spending a few minutes discussing pleasant memories can benefit the senior.