HARTSDALE,
NY USA – January 15, 2005– Many seniors and their
loved ones face a dilemma regarding care for those individuals
who are generally healthy, but can no longer drive, have difficulty
getting around or face challenges with the tasks of everyday
living.
Traditionally, there have been few options. “Families
could uproot a parent placing them into assisted living or
they could quit their jobs to provide needed care,”
said Rich Chiu, who with his wife, Joyce, recently started
Choose Home Care, a non-medical home care provider servicing
Westchester, Rockland, Bronx and Queens counties. “We
offer a viable option for people who don’t need medical
attention, as a home health agency would offer, but do require
some supervision and a social outlet. This also includes younger
people who may be laid up at home, as well as new and expectant
mothers who need some help before they can get back on their
feet.”
Firms like Choose Home Care - a member of Companion Connection
Senior Care, a national organization that strives to maintain
high standards of quality care for the non-medical care agencies
that comprise its network - provide clients help with their
Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s). This includes providing
such services as at-home companionship, meal preparation,
light housekeeping, laundry, errand services, grocery shopping,
transportation, medication reminders, and grooming and dressing
supervision. Perhaps, most of all, clients benefit from the
companionship itself, a necessity to the many seniors who
have limited social interaction, particularly if a spouse
has passed on or if their children work long hours or live
far away.
Unlike home health aides, companions do not provide services
for individuals who are bed ridden. The cost for companions,
however, is commonly less for hourly or live-in care, and
often more appropriate for people who are generally healthy
or are in the early stages of a serious condition, such as
those with Alzheimer’s, aphasia or dementia. Companions
may also provide incidental transportation for clients, something
home health aides in New York are restricted from performing
due to Medicaid regulations. Companions are available for
several hours a day and as live-ins.
The
services provided by the relative handful of specialty home
care agencies like Choose Home Care are in great demand –
and will only grow in the years ahead. According to the National
Academy on Aging Society, there are an estimated 8.5 million
people over age 70 in America with limitations in walking,
dressing, bathing, shopping, paying bills and preparing meals.
Estimates are that the number will grow to 21 million in the
next quarter century.
“We started our home care company because we saw it
as both a good business opportunity, because of the huge demand
for these services in the southern New York area, and as a
rewarding personal experience,” said Chiu. “Many
senior homeowners who live alone are really lonely, and they
want someone to talk to. Our companions provide comfort and
peace of mind for a family when no one is there.”
He remembers meeting one client recently, who was somewhat
depressed and didn’t want to leave the house. “After
meeting with our companion the next day, who took him out
for a walk, he returned home beaming. Suddenly, he was enjoying
life again.”
Services like this are an important benefit to what sociologists
refer to as the “sandwich generation,” baby boomers
who find themselves caring for both their children and their
elderly parents. These “new” caregivers need help
in balancing their normal activities and family life with
the increasing needs of loved ones. Non medical companion
care can provide the additional support to help them manage
their added responsibilities and time demands.
“Many of us already do, or will soon have to face the
problem of how to deal with aging loved ones,” said
Chiu. “I’m happy we can provide the seniors in
our community and their families with a safe and affordable
option for continuing to live in their own homes. After all,
it’s nice to have alternatives and for many people receiving
care in their own homes is the best option.”
For more information about Choose Home Care, call 914-948-1350
or visit www.choosehomecare.com.
For more information about Companion Connection Senior Care,
call 800-270-6949 or visit www.companionconnectionseniorcare.com.
CONTACT:
Bob Thomson
Choose Home Care
92 S. Central Avenue
Hartsdale, NY 10530
Tel: 914-948-1350
Fax: 914-948-1351
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