Are You Overwhelmed Caring for Someone Else?

It's just too common. The average caregiver, which is most often a daughter, is managing doctors' appointments, the household and finances for her aging parent while she is still trying to manage her own 9-to-5 job and family. AARP estimates that are over 61.6 million caregivers in this country. Over 33% of these caregivers will have described their responsibilities as "highly stressful." I am not surprised. If you consider that almost 75% of caregivers say their role has caused them to be late for work, take leaves of absence or had other negative impacts on their job performance.

If there's anyone out there who could use a little help keeping it all together, it's a caregiver.

What can a senior concierge do to make things a bit easier?

• We can lighten the caregiver's load: Concierge services will help the caregiver manage through her to-do list by helping with groceries, dry cleaning or post office run, so that she has time to spend with her parents. One of the most appreciated offerings are the elder-sitting services which allows the caregiver to step out for an evening or even take a vacation.

• We help with private matters: We know, all too well, that older adults feel badly about asking their children for thing. In addition, they want to hold on to their dignity and their privacy. Sometimes, it's simply more comfortable to have a trusted helper, outside of the family, to take care of the personal care tasks.

• We save you money: It's true. When you consider the cost of lost wages. Or consider the cost of wasted food, medicine mistakes, and more. A concierge is probably a bargain if you consider that the average female caregiver gives up an estimated $324,000 in lost wages, Social Security benefits and pension, according to a 2011 MetLife Mature Market Institute study, when she leaves the workforce early. Nearly one in four employed caregivers finds herself in this scenario, and reports either having stopped working, turned down a promotion, lost benefits or chosen early retirement to meet her responsibilities.

We have a number of Companion Concierge services available to our clients. One of our favorite services is for the active senior who occasionally needs a little help getting out and about. We provide transportation in a private car to doctor and dentist appointments, cultural outings such as concerts, museums, the theater, religious events and more.

• You set the pick up and return time
• Door-to-door service
• Driver/companion remains with you during the outing
• Convenience of stopping at the pharmacy or store on the return trip
• Security, privacy and companionship

Happy at Home’s professional staff and management are dedicated to enhancing the life of all those under our care.

Learn more about Happy at Home LLC's Concierge and Home Care services.