43% of Seniors Feel Lonely
Social isolation is a major problem among aging Americans. Loneliness in older adults is a serious public health issue. One study found that individuals over 60 who identified themselves as lonely were 59% more likely to suffer a decline in ability to do an activity of daily living and had a 45% higher likelihood of dying than those satisfied with their social lives.1
Our caregivers engage in meaningful activities with your family member to help boost their morale. Activities include but are not limited to, reading books or the newspaper, watching movies, listening to music, playing games, creating arts and crafts, or conversing.
Other than companionship, all of our services aim to relieve the stress related to everyday burdens and leave you with more time to do what you want. Whether it be visiting a friend or finding your favorite music online, our goal is to make you happy, empowered, and protected.
Light Housekeeping
According to researchers at UCLA’s Center on Everyday Lives and Families (CELF), clutter has a profound effect on our self-esteem and our moods. A study of 32 families found a link between high cortisol (stress hormone) levels of women who had a high density of household objects.2 As we age, it becomes more difficult to clean, such as scrubbing the floors or the bathtub. This problem may induce stress, which when sustained over time, can lead to anxiety and depression.
Our caregivers are happy to help with light housekeeping tasks, e.g., such as folding laundry, washing dishes, dusting, and vacuuming. By keeping the house clean and free of clutter, we reduce said stress and create a safer and healthier environment. Less time with chores means more time doing what your loved one wants, like spending time with family.
Meal Planning & Preparation
In 2016, a systematic review of 54 studies was conducted to screen community-living adults aged 65 and over for malnutrition. It was concluded that 83% were at risk for malnutrition.3 Malnutrition in seniors is common because of the physical changes associated with aging and serves to decrease their quality of life.
Our caregivers can partner with your family member to plan, shop, and cook meals. Nutritionally balanced meals can be prepared in your loved one’s kitchen. By paying close attention to individualized dietary guidelines, you can be sure that your loved one will enjoy healthy, delicious meals.
Tech Takeoff™
Greater technology use is associated with better self-rated health, fewer chronic conditions, higher subjective well-being, and lower levels of depression.4 Our social care program, Tech Takeoff, aims to keep your family member engaged with life through technology which serves to supplement in-person interaction.
Our program teaches how to access social platforms, your favorite media, and keep up with current events. It is an opportunity to learn, form and keep relationships, and find music, shows, and movies both past and present. We train our caregivers to exercise patience and navigate technology with efficiency.
Transportation
Transportation is a major problem for many active seniors trying to age in place. A Harvard University study found that 21% of older adults miss out on activities they like to do because of driving.5
Reliable transportation offers flexibility and promotes independence. Our caregivers can help your family member enjoy social activities, run errands, and attend doctors’ appointments. We can take them wherever they want or need to go.
Wield™
Growing older can lead to cognitive and physical changes that elevate the risks of elder financial exploitation. According to a recent study conducted by the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, older Americans exploited by family, fraudsters, and others in recent years suffered an average loss of $34,200.6
Our caregivers act as a major line of defense against scams: telemarketing/phone, internet fraud, investment schemes, counterfeit prescription drugs, Medicare/health insurance, etc. We train them to identify early warning signs of potential financial abuse, such as spending behavior that appears out of character. They also conduct general prevention acts. For example, proposing credit cards or checks as opposed to cash to keep financial records and stop payment when needed.
Then, if a caregiver finds suspicious behavior, we offer context to the family through transparent communication. By acting as a neutral mediator to ease a peaceful resolution, we help limit or prevent any financial risk. Your loved one earned their living through hard work and sacrifice, while we defend their financial well-being.
- Perissinotto, Carla M. “Loneliness in Older Persons: A Predictor of Functional Decline and Death.” Archives of Internal Medicine, American Medical Association, 23 July 2012.
- A Clean, Well-Lighted Place.” Stanford BeWell, Stanford University.
- Mangels, Ann Reed. “CE: Malnutrition in Older Adults : AJN The American Journal of Nursing.” LWW, American Journal of Nursing, Mar. 2018.
- Chopik, William J. “The Benefits of Social Technology Use Among Older Adults Are Mediated by Reduced Loneliness.” Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking, Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., Sept. 2016.
- Donahue, Kerry. “Meeting the Needs of an Aging Population.” Housing America's Older Adults, Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, 2014.
- Skiba, Katherine. “Reports of Elder Fraud Losses Increase.” AARP, 28 Feb. 2019.