Did you know that there is a 70% chance that someone over 65 years of age will need some type of long term care in their lifetime?

It’s a staggering thought as we age! Today about three-quarters of a million people are living in assisted living facilities in the US. Estimates have another 7 to 8 million seniors receiving some amount of care in their homes. Finally about 1.4 million residents live in skilled nursing facilities. Locally, There are over 3 dozen assisted living facilities and over 50 home care agencies in Chester County!

National Assisted Living Week, running from September 13-19, 2015 and sponsored by the National Center for Assisted Living, recognizes the staff providing care in assisted living facilities or those providing in-home care. Both choices can be great options for those seniors that need a little help to stay independent, but are far from needing round-the-clock skilled nursing services.

Did you know that the main reason people need assisted living is not directly from health problems, but rather from an inability to complete household tasks on their own? These tasks include cooking, shopping, and bathing. Yet with just a little help, they can complete these tasks and enjoy their independence living at home during the golden years.

In the spirit of celebrating the often unsung heroes, the professional caregivers themselves, here’s what a few of our clients have said in describing their relationship with their caregiver:

“The caregivers actually become like family. They exchange Christmas gifts. They are very caring about my dad. I do not know what I would do without them…”

“Charlotte has been such a help to me. She offers to help with things I would have not expected her to.”

“Our caregiver has not only provided kind and compassionate care, she has become a member of our family.”

“ Mom just loved Ann almost immediately!” What a Godsend!”

“I have someone that can help me do the things that I can’t do anymore and it is like they do it as a friend.”

So whether it’s a professional caregiver in an assisted living facility or working in home care, please say “Thanks!” to them this week. They will appreciate it!

For more information about becoming a caregiver for others check out http://seniorcareexton.com/Want-to-Help.html or you can apply on-line at http://shs108.ersp.biz/employment/

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For more information or help with any of your senior home care needs, in Northern Chester County contact Dara or Brad Trout at (610) 590-4888 or via email at daratrout@heart4helpingseniors.com. In Southern Chester County contact Gertie Mourar at (484) 366-2521 or shs@apathwayfor seniors.com.   You can also visit Seniors Helping Seniors blog on senior care topics on the web at www.seniorcareexton.com/blog.

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photo credit: 2001 St Joseph Island via photopin (license)