Resources for Senior Helpers

A Guide to Senior Helpers

If you have a loved one with a medical condition or age-related dementia, senior helpers can offer a vital service to you and your family.  Older people are obviously as unwilling to part with their creature comforts or daily routines as the rest of us, so when their health declines, it can be difficult to make the transition.  Senior helpers can be the linchpin in that transition, and make life easier for you and your loved one.  Let’s consider what kind of services they offer, and what you should watch out for if you’re planning on hiring one.

Benefits

Your loved one may need anything from round-the-clock care to a few hours a week of help with errands.  Senior helpers are able to do anything you need them to do on a non-contractual basis, and that’s the kind of flexibility that can make the difference for you.  Nurses are professional health care workers, and if your elderly loved one isn’t in need of medical attention, they may be superfluous or too expensive for you.  But senior helpers can be engaged for less to do everything according to your needs.

The service usually starts with an evaluation.  A staff member will come by your loved one’s home, spend some time, and make a recommendation based on what they require to thrive and be happy.  If they’re physically healthy enough to care for themselves most of the time, the helper may suggest a few hours’ a week help with groceries and a little friendly conversation.  If they’re feeling weak, the helper could recommend that they be there daily to help them with their cooking or bathing.  Long-term care services with round-the-clock medical supervision are also possible.

Senior helpers are well-trained, and are equipped to handle anything that may arise.  If an accident should happen or an unforeseen medical problem arise, they’ll know just what to do to secure your loved one the care they need.  With the practical concerns taken care of, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved one is safe and happy.

Pitfalls

Your loved one is in a vulnerable position, and may find it difficult to adjust to the attention.  Even if it’s just a senior helper coming by once a week to chat and do some housework, they could be unexpectedly rude or at least off-put.  Talk to them, and listen to their concerns closely.  You may need to find another helper if your loved one doesn’t get along with the first, and stay open to the possibility that another person might work out better.

You’re unlikely to have to deal with fraud or abuse, but be on the lookout if your loved one is in a very weak state of dementia.  Find someone you feel like you can trust, and who seems to make them happier after they’ve seen them.

Conclusion

Senior helpers can be extremely useful to you and your family in difficult times, and can be a relief even in situations that aren’t dire.  Take seriously what they have to offer you, and make use of them as soon as it becomes necessary.

If you have a loved one with a medical condition or age-related dementia, senior helpers can offer a vital service to you and your family.  Older people are obviously as unwilling to part with their creature comforts or daily routines as the rest of us, so when their health declines, it can be difficult to make the transition.  Senior helpers can be the linchpin in that transition, and make life easier for you and your loved one.  Let’s consider what kind of services they offer, and what you should watch out for if you’re planning on hiring one.

Benefits

Your loved one may need anything from round-the-clock care to a few hours a week of help with errands.  Senior helpers are able to do anything you need them to do on a non-contractual basis, and that’s the kind of flexibility that can make the difference for you.  Nurses are professional health care workers, and if your elderly loved one isn’t in need of medical attention, they may be superfluous or too expensive for you.  But senior helpers can be engaged for less to do everything according to your needs.

The service usually starts with an evaluation.  A staff member will come by your loved one’s home, spend some time, and make a recommendation based on what they require to thrive and be happy.  If they’re physically healthy enough to care for themselves most of the time, the helper may suggest a few hours’ a week help with groceries and a little friendly conversation.  If they’re feeling weak, the helper could recommend that they be there daily to help them with their cooking or bathing.  Long-term care services with round-the-clock medical supervision are also possible.

Senior helpers are well-trained, and are equipped to handle anything that may arise.  If an accident should happen or an unforeseen medical problem arise, they’ll know just what to do to secure your loved one the care they need.  With the practical concerns taken care of, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your loved one is safe and happy.

Pitfalls

Your loved one is in a vulnerable position, and may find it difficult to adjust to the attention.  Even if it’s just a senior helper coming by once a week to chat and do some housework, they could be unexpectedly rude or at least off-put.  Talk to them, and listen to their concerns closely.  You may need to find another helper if your loved one doesn’t get along with the first, and stay open to the possibility that another person might work out better.

You’re unlikely to have to deal with fraud or abuse, but be on the lookout if your loved one is in a very weak state of dementia.  Find someone you feel like you can trust, and who seems to make them happier after they’ve seen them.

Conclusion

Senior helpers can be extremely useful to you and your family in difficult times, and can be a relief even in situations that aren’t dire.  Take seriously what they have to offer you, and make use of them as soon as it becomes necessary.