Age can take a real toll on the body – nobody knows that better than Mae. Severe arthritis after years of hard work had made it difficult for her to complete housework and even dress. Most of all, Mae missed tending to the many flowers and plants that surrounded her suburban home. Her husband Charles wasn’t much of a gardener, but tried his best to help her when he was home from work.
Charles was still active in his job as well as social clubs, and he wished his wife to enjoy the activities she loved, too. Charles called Independent Life Home Care about five years ago to inquire about help around the house, physical assistance for his wife, as well as someone to keep her company while he was away. Independent Life Home Care paired the couple with Janice, a friendly and reliable caregiver with the greenest of thumbs. Services provided include:
• Light housekeeping
• Assistance grooming, bathing and dressing
• Laundry
• Running errands
• Meal preparation
• Safety assistance
• Mobility assistance
Janice began working with Mae right away, visiting the home every morning throughout the week while Charles is at work, and sometimes on the weekends when she chooses to stay home instead of joining Charles at his events. Janice is there when Mae wakes each morning, waiting outside the door while she bathes, then she helps Mae comb her hair, button her clothes, and put on her shoes. Mae watches the morning news while Janice tackles the morning dishes and other chores; the pair chat throughout.
On nice days, Janice helps Mae out to her flowers, helping her to safety navigate the cobblestone paths and position herself on her gardening stool. Back in the garden with Janice’s help, Charles reported that Mae was full of sunshine on those days.
As Mae’s symptoms worsened, Independent Life Home Care was able to adjust her care plan to provide the round-the-clock care she needed during her final year.