A lot of people find that even once they are retired, they still have a desire to give back to the community and continue to work. While they may not be interested in committing to a 40-plus hour per week job, they may want to stay active and supplement their retirement income. Perhaps they spent their career in a field where they did not feel as if they were emotionally satisfied and now they are ready do something that boosts their soul. If this sounds like you, and you are getting ready to retire or have already done so, you may want to consider working with Seniors Helping Seniors.
Seniors Helping Seniors was started by Kiram Yocum. Unlike her home country of India, Yocum noticed that seniors in the United States often live in nursing homes only because it is convenient for their families. Many of these seniors would feel more comfortable and have a higher quality of life if they were able to remain at home for additional years. This inspired her to put together a team of people who could assist with many of the tasks that were required to enable seniors to stay at home longer. Best of all, these helpers are seniors themselves. This means they understand the challenges of daily life for seniors, and often, people are more willing to ask those like them for help. Yocum’s company has expanded to more than 20 states. They provide a variety of services to seniors and offer services and companionship to their clients.
As much as this can help those who would otherwise need to live in a nursing facility, it is also a great opportunity for seniors who are newly retired. The ideal candidate for a position with Seniors Helping Senior is someone who would consider volunteering their time to help people in the community. They may be looking for a program through their church or are hospital which will provide them an opportunity to give back to the community. They may not have a lot of money, but now that they are retired, they have free time. Instead of filling their time with only leisure and recreation, they are compelled to give time and compassion to those around them. Instead of participating in a volunteer-only capacity, Seniors Helping Seniors allows them to share their time, but also receive compensation. The small paycheck they receive from their efforts can go a long way during their retirement years. They get all of the benefit of helping, with the added bonus of some supplemental income.
Those with a desire to participate in the Seniors Helping Seniors program will undergo an extensive background check. The company prides itself on finding caring, compassionate individuals who are of the highest integrity. It is important for them to provide their clients with the assurance of safety and peace of mind, so they do all they can to ensure they have chosen the highest quality helpers. Potential helpers will participate in three interviews, a criminal background check, and a personal reference review prior to their employment. According to Ed Cotter, owner and operator of Seniors Helping Seniors Southwest, “What we really bring is a special approach to screening providers. We are looking for [people] who are loving, caring, and compassionate. (We are seeking) people who would do this anyway, and this way they can supplement their income.” Once they are hired, they receive a training manual that illustrates their professional boundaries and scope of service. It is important for both clients and helpers to understand this is not medical care. While helpers can assist those with medical conditions, they are qualified only to provide companion care, not nursing care.
Seniors Helping Seniors helpers can assist with home care tasks, recreational activities, and daily chores. Those who are looking for someone to provide transportation to grocery stores, doctor appointments, and social activities can rely on the services of the helpers to taxi them. If someone needs assistance with their chores in the home such as cleaning, exterior maintenance, or minor home repair, those at Seniors Helping Seniors can help. The company does a thorough job of matching seniors, so everyone is assured ahead of time they will be in a relationship that is beneficial to both parties. Parameters are established ahead of time concerning schedules and services, so no one is surprised by what services are or are not offered once the care begins. Seniors Helping Seniors has also found that clearly defining a helper’s role keeps family strife at a minimum.
If you are newly retired, or just in search of an opportunity to share your time with someone who would appreciate a helping hand, consider working with Seniors Helping Seniors. Franchise opportunities are available, or you can contact your local Seniors Helping Seniors branch for employment information.
