Senior Home Care and Aging in the Home

United States of America (Press Release) April 17, 2008 -- FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Glen and Sherri Walls
Home Helpers / Direct Link
405-880-5433


Giving and Care Giving

Oklahoma City, OK (April 17, 2008) – This summer season, as families gather to enjoy the warm weather, many will also give care. Over 40% of older adults struggle with at least one independent living activity*1. Glen and Sherri Walls, owners of Home Helpers and Direct Link, “many families first notice the need for care at family gatherings such as birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, and reunions.”

Being together for an extended period is often when it becomes apparent that a loved one may be struggling. Seeing a loved one in a variety of situations often makes the challenges he or she may be facing more obvious.

“When people think of activities of daily living, most think of personal care activities. Personal care includes bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, feeding and transferring. Long before most people need help with personal care, they need assistance with living activities associated with independent living, says Walls.”

Independent living activities also know as instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), include the following:
 Preparing meals
 Managing money (writing checks, paying bills)
 Shopping for groceries or personal items
 Maintaining a residence/performing housework (e.g. laundry, cleaning)
 Managing medications
 Using a telephone
 Handling mail
 Traveling via car or public transportation

So how do you know if a loved one may be struggling? Here are a few helpful hints:
 DISEASE – Consider how a disease may make aspects of everyday life challenging. For example, a person with Dementia may struggle with logic, judgment, decision making and reasoning.
 ENVIRONMENT – Consider how a person’s living arrangements may present challenges or safety concerns. For example, steps, throw rugs, overloaded extension cords, and unsecured handrails may be hazards.
 SUPPORT – Consider the availability of friends and family and the type of support a person may need. For example, is someone available to shovel snow or clear debris left by a storm, help with transportation, or share an occasional meal or casserole?
 ACCESS – Consider how a loved one might get in touch with family, neighbors and emergency personnel should help be needed. For example, are ICE (in case of emergency) numbers readily available or does a person have an in-home personal emergency response system?

Caregivers make life easier for people who desire or require assistance with daily living activities. Caregivers include unpaid family members and friends who lend a helping hand to those in need. They also include paid professionals trained to provide assistance.

Walls says, “Many families rely on organizations like Home Helpers for day-to-day caregiving services or to supplement the care they provide.” Some people simply do not have the flexibility to provide the necessary level of care a loved one may need. Walls adds, “care provided in the comfort of a person’s home is an affordable, flexible option which offers a viable option to loved ones needing care.”

# # #

*1 – Source: Administration on Aging, Profile of Older Americans: 2006

Home Helpers / Direct Link offers non-medical care services similar to what is often supplied by family members. Our services are designed to help people maintain their independence and avoid isolation. Care services include personal care, general assistance, companionship, help with transportation, errands, plus much more. DirectLink is the brand name of our (PERS) Personal Emergency Response System. To learn more about Home Helpers or DirectLink visit our website www.HomeHelpers.CC (as in Conscientious Caregivers) or call 405-880-5433 for assistance.