Easter Seals In-Home Services Fills The Gap For Senior Citizens
Frank & Missy
Growing older can be scary, but navigating the path alone can cause even more trepidation. After his wife passed away, 82 year-old Frank of New Castle, found himself with no family around to help support his needs. Missy, his friend and neighbor, recognized he was struggling and stepped in as his full time caregiver. Missy soon realized that being a caregiver is a huge undertaking that she could not face on her own. She turned to Easter Seals In-Home Services and that decision has made all the difference.
“When I became primary caregiver to Frank, I realized very quickly that he needed way more assistance than I was capable of providing. Easter Seals came to the rescue,” Missy says. “It is no secret to anyone who knows me how much I love Easter Seals, and even more so now that I am caring for someone.”
According to the National Alliance for Caregiving, there are more than 66 million family caregivers, like Missy, in the US – nearly 40% of the US adult population. One of
the greatest needs of these caregivers is respite or a temporary relief to caregivers and families who are caring for adults with disabilities, chronic or terminal illness or the elderly.
That is where Easter Seals In-Home Services steps in. The program provides services to the elderly, persons with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and persons with disabilities who need support to remain safely in their homes. In-Home Services helps families by providing assistance with meal planning and preparation, dressing, light housekeeping, laundry, bathing needs, companionship, transportation to appointments
and more.
“The process was smooth, easy and complete. They matched him up with the perfect companions and he couldn’t be happier,” Missy says. “Easter Seals staff has truly changed his life. “I know they are “just doing their job”, but for my friend, Frank, they have given him back his independence and dignity, and given me peace of mind that he is cared for by compassionate, encouraging and supportive people.”
Frank, who enjoys going to church, watching old movies, gardening, eating meals out and spending time with Missy and her family, was paired with two “caring partners” who are with him five days a week. Brittany helps him three days a week running errands, taking him to appointments and housekeeping, while Tira is with him two evenings a week to help him prepare meals.
“I love Easter Seals! Missy must love me very much to set me up with the wonderful ladies from Easter Seals who help me live independently in my own home,” Frank says. “Without Easter Seals, I fear I would be forced to move out of my house and into the kind of place I refused to place my late wife, Evelyn. I do not want
to be a burden, but really want to live out my days in my own home. The help I get from Easter Seals gives me hope that I can do that.”
It is easy to get started. Each person’s needs are different so Easter Seals offers a free, confidential in-home evaluation involving all concerned family members. This meeting will establish an individual plan of care as well as address: routines, health needs, cost of services and transportation requirements. A suitable caring partner will be paired based on the needs of the person. All caring partners are employees of Easter Seals, are carefully screened, undergo thorough background checks, are bonded, insured and have current First Aid/CPR training.
For more information about Easter Seals In-Home Services program, contact Beth Altemus at 302-221-2060 or [email protected].
Along with the In-Home Services program Easter Seals offers a range of services, including children’s therapies, assistive technology, recreational camping, day programs for adults with physical or intellectual disabilities and respite services for caregivers. For more information on all of their services, contact 1-800-677-3800 or visit www.de.easterseals.com/inhome.
