Recognizing our caregivers and all they do

Senior Home Care Solutions is a non-medical senior companion company that specializes in companion and Alzheimer’s care. We not only provide the non‑medical personal service your loved one needs, but we provide companionship along with all our services.

What is a caregiver? By general definition it’s a family member or paid helper who regularly looks after a child or a sick, elderly, or disabled person.

But what does the word mean to you? How is it important in your life?

At Senior Home Care Solutions, we’re always looking to the future and determining the needs of each generation.

Over the next 20 years there is going to be a huge influx of seniors who need some help to enable them to stay in their home. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services projects that by 2050, the number of individuals using paid long-term care services in any setting (e.g., at home, residential care such as assisted living, or skilled nursing facilities) will likely double from the 13 million using services in 2000, to 27 million people. This estimate is influenced by growth in the population of older people in need of care.

 

Many potential employers of these types of services do not hire adequately educated people to perform these jobs and are only paid minimum wage. It is crucial that we pay these caregivers well so we can continue to attract educated and loving employees to care for our parents, aunts, uncles and loved ones.

Just two weeks ago ― my employee, Sue, was with a client and was taking him to the physical therapists for an appointment. She attended the entire session with him so we could help him remember the exercises he could continue at home. 

In the middle of the appointment his whole demeanor changed suddenly and Sue knowing her client suspected a problem such as a possible stroke. The ambulance was called right away and he was taken to Crouse Hospital in Syracuse. 

Without a doubt, he was treated for a stroke and is now on his way to a full recovery. These types of experiences are life-changing for us! Sue in fact saved his life and the family is so grateful. 

On another day in Senior Home Care Solutions, we lost a wonderful woman. She had recently been in rehab for an injury. We continued to visit her while she was in rehab to keep her spirits up. She would complain to Melanie, her senior companion, that she wasn’t able to get real toast or butter at rehab. 

So, from that day forward, my employee, Melanie, would bring her client her favorite Italian bread and real butter so she could have it any time she wanted. When attending the funeral, the family was so thankful for all these types of little things that Melanie did that made their loved one smile each day. 

Sometimes it’s the little things like real butter that can get someone through a tough day and make them smile.

No matter what it is that makes the caregiver in your loved one’s life so special, be sure to take notice. An estimated 34 million caregivers provide care for someone age 50 and older. Chances are, you know at least one caregiver. Tell that caregiver what he or she does that makes a difference in your loved one’s life.

Finding the best caregiver and also a trusted caregiver can be tough. My senior companions at Senior Home Care Solutions are committed to being the best and being trustworthy.

Paying close attention to a client’s health and mannerisms, or making sure they have their favorite foods are only just the beginning of what it means to be a senior companion and a reliable caregiver.

Until next time, take care.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you or your loved one to experience the difference of Senior Home Care Solutions at 315-247-6741, visit www.SyracuseSenior.com or email me, Sheila Ohstrom, at Ohstrom@twcny.rr.com with any questions you might have.