Seniors helping seniors remain safe at home

When you ask an aging family member where they would prefer to receive care, the overwhelming response is at home. According to the National Institute on Aging, more than 12 million Americans over age 65 live alone. As we age, caring for ourselves can become a challenge, whether due to chronic illness, disability, or physical and/or mental decline. Activities such as bathing, grooming, dressing, and meal preparation often require the help of a caregiver, personal care attendant, or aide.

That's when home care services can make it possible for seniors to age in place. In Northeastern Pennsylvania alone, tens of thousands of elderly individuals receive assistance to be able to live safely at home. Seniors can find home care services and learn about their eligibility by calling their county's Area Agency on Aging. Home care services can provide all kinds of benefits for seniors.

• Comfort: caregivers make it possible for you to remain in the comfort of your own home, surrounded by the people and belongings that are familiar and special to you.
• Personal Care: caregivers provide individualized services that respond to your specific needs and on a schedule that suits your lifestyle.
• Independence: accepting help doesn't mean giving up your independence or control over your life and your own home. Caregivers are there to help you enjoy your life to the fullest.
• Peace of Mind: because caregivers visit you in your home regularly, they can provide you and your loved ones with peace of mind. Family and friends know you have the assistance needed to perform tasks, such as bathing or using the stove, therefore avoiding falls and injuries.

Did you know that both family members and individuals employed by home care agencies can be paid to provide non-medical care to individuals in the home? Although caregivers are often family members, there are also many thousands of compassionate individuals who have chosen this as their career.

In recent years, I have seen a growing number of seniors who have found a new purpose in caring for others in their community. Oftentimes people who retire do so because of retirement benefits. They also feel capable of working a part-time position, with flexibility, and earnings that will not affect social security income. The opportunity to help an older adult, who may also be a friend, neighbor, or relative, can be a part-time opportunity that's a match for you.

What qualifications do I need? That's one of the most common questions I get from applicants for our Caregiver positions. A capacity for caring is truly the most important factor. Caregivers go into consumers' homes and help with basic, non-medical tasks. That might mean preparing a meal for someone or doing light housework or personal care tasks. Although the tasks are non-medical, caregivers receive classroom and on-the-job training and have access to a team nurse in case they have concerns about the people they visit.

Tracy Hunt is Assistant Vice President of In-Home Care at Allied Services.

Become a Caregiver Today

Caregivers (also known as Direct Care Workers) make a meaningful impact in these peoples' lives, allowing them to remain in their homes safely. If you are already providing this type of care for a relative, we would like to pay you for your care! If not, we can train the right compassionate and caring people to join our team. Caregivers earn up to $1,500 sign-on bonus at Allied Services plus the best pay rates.

• Learn about becoming a Caregiver with Allied Services.
• Fill out a short inquiry form to get started as a Caregiver.
• Call us at 570-348-2210 to speak with us about Caregiver jobs.