He's hours from trusted family.
Dad was living at his rural farm, and professional caregivers were tough to find. He was resistant to have “strangers” in his home and “didn’t need the help.” He’ll be fine, he said. But after a stroke and numerous falls, Dad became a regular stop on the volunteer fireman’s route. Years 85-89 saw him weakened from years in a chair, eating poorly, if anything, after breakfast. He had retired to his “shack in the woods” and wanted to be “Carried out. Feet first.”
His children had a lot to say about it, but not the strength to push him to move closer, to independent or assisted living. So Dad lived on alone, with Meals on Wheels he rejected, and one single brother who sacrificed time with family and his new grandson for four years. FOUR years. It took a huge toll. On his personality in isolation, his personal hygiene and family ties. The resentment after he died was palpable. It’s still unknown if the family will recover.
Had they known about a trusted, background-checked workforce with skills and certifications to visit, socialize, keep his house clean, maintained and safe, AND they’d get regular updates on how he was doing, they would have jumped at the chance. This isn’t caregiving. This is something else entirely.
Caring Transitions @Home is an age-in-place innovation that Julie Bilyeu, the owner of the Caring Transitions Winston Salem, brought to life for her clients. She says “it’s changing families’ lives”. But is it really?
After an initial safety assessment, Julie designs a program to send a certified specialist who spends a couple of hours socializing and cleaning up, checking in regularly. They keep the family updated, and also act as a general contractor for lawn service, repairs and installation of chair lifts, ramps and grab bars. It’s here the comprehensive service really begins to shine. She is a continual presence, providing just the right type of support needed for families living far away or with other responsibilities. Seniors keep their independence and stay at home longer, safer and healthier. And family’s piece of mind is now possible.
So, yes. This service really does change lives.
Find the safety hazards here.
- Disorganized meds
- Paper on the floor is a slipping hazard
- Wires everywhere are a tripping and fire hazard
- Stacked papers attract bugs. Roaches love paper
- Covered chair is a slip and fall hazard
With a disorganized space like this, seniors can lose important documents. Take the wrong meds. Clutter has been proven to causes stress than can mimic dementia symptoms. It’s unsafe.
Julie’s team has been certified to provide @Home services by NASMM (National Association of Senior and Specialty Move Managers), a national trade association providing education and certification of Senior Move Managers. Her staff is experienced at empowering seniors, are all background-checked and insured. Most of them are over 50 themselves, and view this service as a perfect second act. It’s a ready-to-serve, part-time workforce already providing decluttering and cleaning services.
Empowering a senior to stay-at-home is a great gift, and giving families peace of mind, the greatest benefit of all.
CaringPromise Practical Idea:
A quick electrical assessment can be done quickly. It’s often tough for a senior to get down on hands and knees to reach behind furniture. They need help and probably won’t ask.
Need help? Call Julie.
Caring Transitions of Winston Salem
Protecting Your Legacy, Eliminating the Chaos
If you need help in the Chicago area, contact Mary Beth.