One of the most important considerations seniors face is how they are going to stay active. There may be home maintenance issues, family responsibilities, and daily errands for them to focus on, but sometimes, even this is not enough. A lot of people who are recently retired, or later in their senior years, are looking for ways to avoid boredom. New hobbies can provide a great deal of joy for seniors and retirees. They may also be interested in travel, learning new skills, or participating in recreational activities. The challenge of any of these desires is finding someone with whom to enjoy the activity. A spouse may be willing to participate, but may not be physically capable of engaging in the more physical activities. If they are ill, it may be difficult for them to travel. In other cases, there is no spouse, and friends and acquaintances may not share the same passion for the activity. Family members who may want to help may find themselves bored by the activity, or pressed for time, balancing the recreation of their senior relative with their full-time work responsibilities. If you find yourself in a position where you are interested in an activity, but you have no one to share it with, consider contacting Seniors Helping Seniors.
Seniors Helping Seniors is a company that provides companion care to those enjoying their golden years. Caregivers are also seniors, which creates a symbiotic relationship. Instead of sending a service provider into a senior’s home that is there for medical care only, those with Seniors Helping Seniors provide companion care. This means helpers are able to provide assistance and care, but they are also able to understand the challenges of age. There is a greater likelihood the senior helpers will be able to relate to the interests and concerns of the recipients of care. Plus, those receiving care from Seniors Helping Seniors often feel more comfortable asking for help from those who understand their needs. Asking for the assistance of a peer can often be easier and feel like less of a burden than requiring the help of family members or community volunteers.
The added benefit of receiving assistance from fellow seniors is the aspect of companionship. If you are looking for someone who will willingly participate in recreational activities with you, this may be the solution. Seniors are matched with helpers on the case by case basis. This means if you are in search of someone who can accompany you to bingo, but also help with household chores, you can request this during the interview process. Seniors Helping Seniors makes a concerted effort to meet your needs and match you with a fellow senior who is compatible and capable of fulfilling your requests.
Likewise, if you are a senior interested in helping, and you have a desire to explore a new hobby, there is a chance Seniors Helping Seniors could pair you with a senior who shares your interest. This will give the two of you common ground, and instead of feeling as if he is a burden, the senior you are helping will look forward to your visits and enjoy talking with you about your common interests. You will not only have a chance to learn new things and enjoy new hobbies, but you will also be giving back to the community and gaining a sense of fulfillment by assisting someone who may otherwise be placed in a nursing facility.
While in-home care is a great alternative to a nursing facility, it is important that helpers set boundaries with their seniors. Ed Cotter, owner and operator of Seniors Helping Seniors Southwest advises, “Boundaries need to be set. Helpers and seniors must distinguish between personal and working relationships. This is very important for family relationships. Families can feel as if they are being taken advantage of.” While many seniors and helpers are like friends, the relationships still remain professional. This is as much for the benefit of the senior and their families, as it is for the helper. However, it is also important for seniors and helpers to be comfortable with one another, and this may mean sharing common interests.
If you are a senior requiring assistance in your home, and you would like to find someone with whom you share common interests, or you would like to include something fulfilling in your retirement years, consider contacting Seniors Helping Seniors. They will make every effort to pair together seniors and helpers who can enrich one another’s lives and provide a feeling of companionship and compassion.
