After Sylvia’s husband died, her friends tried to buoy her spirits by keeping her busy. Not a week went by when she wasn’t at the theater or symphony. But as time went on and invitations tapered off, Sylvia began feeling despondent. “I couldn’t shake this malaise,” she said. “My doctor said I was fine, but […]
Getting a Grip on Senior Depression: Sylvia’s Story Read More »
“While family and caregivers are usually quick to address physical issues that seniors may be experiencing, such as arthritis, heart disease, or osteoporosis, there are many times when their psychosocial well-being is overlooked,” says Traci Dobronravova, MSW, Associate Director of Seniors At Home. “Loneliness and depression are chief among the most serious conditions they face.”
Depression Is More Than a Downer: Jan and Miriam’s Story Read More »
Laura and Marcia, next-door neighbors on a leafy suburban street for 50 years, were as close as sisters. Through the years, the women stood by each other during times of need—when they were widowed, when Laura’s son died unexpectedly, and when Marcia was recovering from breast cancer. When Marcia returned from a long trip and
At 83, Mitzi was having the time of her life. Divorced many years before, the retired stockbroker juggled a full schedule that included several theater subscriptions, weekly card games, travel, book clubs, and frequent visits with her only child, Yvette, a psychiatric social worker. But when Yvette fell ill last summer and died this past
During Good Times and Bad, Seniors At Home Is There for You: Mitzi’s Story Read More »
When Myra retired, she “decompressed” for a year, as she put it. “Then I called JFCS and said, ‘I want to volunteer.’” Soon after, Myra became a Seniors At Home RIDES driver—shuttling older people to and from appointments—and a friendly visitor to those hungering for companionship and conversation. “Those experiences were quite meaningful,” Myra says.
When “Doing unto Others” Strikes Home: Myra’s Story Read More »
Last summer, Michael detected slippage in his mother’s memory. “We’d be having a normal conversation,” he says, “and suddenly she’d ask, ‘What do you do? Where do you work?’ This freaked me out, but I chalked it up to ‘old age.’ But when my mother forgot to pay household expenses and started getting depressed, I
Seniors At Home Supports the Whole Family: Michael and his Mother Read More »
Because of arthritis, you’re having trouble walking down the stairs by yourself or lacing up your shoes. Perhaps you can’t make out the fine print on prescription labels—even with your reading glasses. After years of doing things on your own, it might be hard for you to acknowledge that you need a little help. But
Do I Need Homecare? One Client’s Honest Self-Appraisal Read More »
Every week when Jonah called his 86-year-old mother, she talked about her physical discomfort and sadness. He realized that she was alone and needed more than his cross-country phone calls and quarterly visits. “My mother used to be a vital professional with many interests,” Jonah said. “I was alarmed that she’d become so hobbled by
Seniors At Home Offers Comprehensive Care for this Mother and Son Read More »
Coming home after surgery, Eleanor didn’t have to worry about arranging for the home care she now needed for the first time in her life. Seniors At Home had already done it. “It was a relief that I didn’t have to scramble for services in my condition,” says Eleanor, 84. “Since everyone at Seniors At
Make the Most Important Choices When You’re Healthy Read More »
Happily married for 60 years, Max and Helen began experiencing difficulties caused by Max’s declining health. She wanted home care for him, he refused, and she no longer had the stamina to provide the assistance her husband needed. “They faced a difficult situation common to many senior couples,” says Judy Lynch, RN, BS, MA, Director
Help for the Frail and Their Caregivers: Max and Helen’s Story Read More »
