Caregivers to friends

Now that the days are shorter, darker and colder, seniors can become socially isolated, which impacts them physically and emotionally. Not surprisingly, studies show incidence of depression and risk of falls goes up in the winter months.

Julie Dey and Bryan Marn opened Seniors Helping Seniors earlier this year with the goal of helping family members feel engaged, independent and safe in their homes. Since their caregivers are over 50 years old, seniors feel they’re kindred spirits and form meaningful relationships.

She reports the caregivers they’ve hired are “true gems.” Most of them are retirees who weren’t ready to retire, empathetic people who enjoy caring for others

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“Through the interview process for caregivers and clients, we take the time to find out their interests and backgrounds so we can make a good match,” she says.

Here are a few of their heartfelt stories.

Meet Carmen and Mary

A background in social work with a concentration on mental health has made a difference in the daily connection Carmen makes with 88-year-old Maria, who is in a wheelchair.

“I was looking for a job with meaning, and I found it,” says Carmen, a 71-year-old widow with grown children. “I’m there for Maria when she wakes up. We pick out an outfit and get dressed. We wash up and I put lotion on her and take care of the sores on her feet. We play games, talk about our culture, and I do whatever chores need doing, like laundry. Seeing her smile every day makes me happy.”

Carmen says she loved taking care of her own mother when she needed it and sees caring for Maria as a similar vocation.

“In the handful of months since we’ve been working with Maria and her daughter Renata, we’ve seen improvements in both of their lives,” says Julie. “Carmen has alleviated so much day-to-day stress.”

Mary’s background in art makes her the perfect companion to 74-year-old Phyllis, who has limited mobility following four strokes.

“We both love to craft,” says Mary. “Our system is I go to Hobby Lobby and take lots of pictures, then she can pick out what she wants to create.”

Seasonal craft projects have included floral arrangements, sun catchers, painted rocks and pumpkins.

“Working with these projects has boosted her motor skills and creativity,” says Mary. “Since Phyllis’ husband is the sole caregiver, it also gives him a chance to go for a drive or spend time in his workshop. At the end of the day, I feel good and accomplished in everything we’ve done.”

A Meaningful Act of Self-Care

In addition to companionship, other non-medical home care services range from safety and fall prevention to medication reminders, long-distance check-ins, daily living needs like getting dressed, running errands, transportation to appointments, socialization, meal prep, shopping, light housekeeping, yard work and pet care.

“Heading into the holidays, it would be the perfect time for families to try us out,” says Julie. “They could gift their loved one with meaningful companionship and help around the house, while gifting themselves the chance to get more things done like holiday shopping or having time to themselves, which is really an act of self-care.”

Headquartered in Wickliffe, Seniors Helping Seniors serves seniors in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties. Visit SeniorCareNEO.com or call 440-494-8156 for more information. The minimum is two hours, twice per week, and overnight care is also available. The agency accepts Veterans benefits, long-term care insurance and private pay.