Senior Helpers Blog

If you've heard me talk about my parents on the show, then you know how awesome they are and how much I love them. They've been married for over 56 years and are pretty much the cutest couple that I know.

Sadly, about 6 years ago, my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. His health has been steadily going downhill since then and my mom is his primary caregiver. Things have been getting tough for them.

My dad is 84 years old and since he's getting weaker with each day that passes, he is now having trouble even bathing himself and with every day tasks that we all take for granted. Since my mom is getting older too, she's finding it more and more difficult to care for my dad.

I talk about them on the show a lot. Shannon, from Senior Helpers, here in Grand Rapids, has heard me talking about them. She called and said, "What do you think about us helping your parents out?" I talked to my parents about it and then Of COURSE I said, "Yes!"

Let me tell you about Senior Helpers. They provide caregivers who come into YOUR home and help out. Do you have a loved one at home who needs help bathing, getting out of bed and getting ready for the day, help with cooking, getting to doctors appointments or getting groceries?

Senior Helpers can help with all of that. I know for me, living over 2 hours away from my parents, it's nice to know that someone will be there to help out on a daily basis, when I can't be.

The crew from Senior Helpers went to my parent's house last week to talk to them, see the house and get to know them and their situation. One of the great things about Senior Helpers is that they try to match the personality of the caregiver to the person/people that they are taking care of. Awesome! My dad is a retired engineer who loved to golf, shoot skeet, camp, boat, etc. - and Senior Helpers takes all of that into consideration.

My mom called me after Shannon and Danny from Senior Helpers left their house and she sounded so excited and relieved that they were about to get some help. I think she has really been feeling the pressure of taking care of my dad, but didn't want to say anything to anyone.

Not only has she had to give up all of the activities that she used to be involved in (she's afraid to leave my dad alone), but she also has been getting to the point the she's afraid that physically, she wouldn't be able to take care of my dad much longer. Shannon from Senior Helpers called me at the perfect time. My dad's Senior Helper caregiver can now stay with him while my mom goes to her bridge club for the first time in over a year.

If you love someone who could use some help staying in their own home, contact Senior Helpers in Grand Rapids.
www.seniorhelpersGR.com or call 616-557-7000.

~Connie