UNSUNG HEROES
Seniors support one another despite breakdown of ‘normal’ American society
Companionship is a virtue. Cherished friends and beloved family inspire; love.
As said Shakespeare: “Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find.” Kindness. Care. Charitable work includes providing care to the elderly.
Nationwide and elsewhere, Seniors Helping Seniors provides a service of empowerment to both clients and staff. The vast majority of staff members, known as caregivers, are senior citizens who want to make a difference. And do.
In-home caregivers are the unsung heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing consistent, safe care for seniors in the comfort of their homes, said Kayla Bodel, Seniors Helping Seniors spokeswoman.
Thus, despite the crisis, many senior caregivers aren’t backing down. They continue to provide in-home care to clients. And friendships form along the way.
Regionally, Pat Hennigan runs the Philadelphia regional franchise of Seniors Helping Seniors with 130 caregivers and a management operational staff.
Based in Malvern, the business serves 80 clients in Chester, Montgomery, upper Bucks counties.
Three veterans receive assistance from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, he said.
Seniors support one another despite breakdown of ‘normal’ American society
Ruled the most “vulnerable” during the onset of the coronavirus crisis, senior citizens remain in isolation at home or elsewhere.
“We’re being even more cautious than usual.” Adding, the service of caregiving is offered to people who really need the help, Hennigan said.
“A lot of these seniors are isolated,” Hennigan said. “We might be the only person who they are seeing during the week.”
He said a lot has changed since the crisis began.
Six weeks ago, President Donald Trump declared a national emergency on March 13 at the White House. That same day in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
Gov. Tom Wolf closed all schools statewide.
Five days later, March 18, Wolf officially ordered the shutdown of all businesses his administration declared “non-essential” and “nonlife-sustaining.”
Enforcement actions by the Pennsylvania State Police for non-compliant businesses began on March 21.Wolf issued a stay-athome order for all residents living in the greater Philadelphia region including the residents of Chester County on March 23.
By April 1, the governor extended the stay-at-home order to the entire state, impacting life in all 67 counties.
“We’ve had a pullback in business,” he said. Not only are some caregivers staying at home, many family members are now able to care for their loved ones themselves.
Last week, the governors of Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York said citizens should expect a “new normal.”
“A lot of people aren’t going into work. They’re spending more time with their seniors,” Hennigan said. “Family support has really increased.”
Yet many seniors still need caregivers; in fact, now more than ever, given the statewide stay-at-home order.
Hennigan encouraged folks — from church friends to relatives — to reach out to seniors in isolation.
“In addition to phone calls, send a handwritten letter or card,” said caregiver Eleanor Buczala, “and better yet, a drawing from grandchildren, friends or others in the community. Seniors enjoy reading and rereading these handwritten notes.”
She said many seniors under care are not unequipped for computer or cell phone management.
Seniors Helping Seniors tips to connect with elderly loved ones under quarantine:
• Making care packages of handwritten notes with words of encouragement, Vitamin-C, paper products, cleaning products and comfort foods, the more nutritious, the better;
• Organize window walks with your local community to stop by seniors’ homes and wave or hold up signs outside;
• Hold regular video calls on Zoom/FaceTime/Skype, but send an easy-to-follow instruction guide ahead of the call or talk through how to use the software over the phone since unfortunately not all seniors are tech savvy;
• Work a video call lesson into your daily schedule of learning with your children. Seniors have plenty of great insights and lessons to share;
• Offer to run errands including for groceries, remedies and other necessities.
Founded in 1998, there are more than 130 Seniors Helping Seniors franchises worldwide.
When seniors realize they can help other seniors as caregivers, it is an inspirational moment, said Howard Algeo, Seniors Helping Seniors director of business development and training for the greater Philadelphia region.
“The greatest challenge seniors face is isolation and loneliness,” Algeo said. “Those are things that really are pretty easy to resolve with a telephone call or a FaceTime.”
Of missing his own loved ones: “I haven’t seen my grandchildren in at least a couple of weeks, longer, right? But my daughter and son-in-law drive by our place and we wave at them,” he said.
“Drive by, honk the horn, wave out the window,” Algeo said. “Stay in touch. Call them.”
He said, “The human voice is such a great comfort in this time. It’s really important.” Hennigan concurred. “Seniors really appreciate any interaction,” Hennigan said. “It can really make their day or their week.”