Locally-owned Pharmacy of 60 years launches Companion Care services for older adults
It is not always easy navigating through challenges as we age or our loved ones age. As baby boomers have been getting older there has been a greater need for home care services. Which is exactly why Buffalo Pharmacies Vice President of Operations Trent Voelkl opened, Happier at Home right here in Buffalo, New York.
The fact of the matter is, seniors want to stay put. Seniors want to age in their homes. ‘After many years of working with the elderly, we want to help people age with dignity and on their terms. Our way, at Happier at Home is by keeping people living at home as independently as possible for as long as possible’ says owner Trent Voelkl.
Many caregivers have jobs, families, household duties, school, children, errands, doctor appointments and many other things that they need to juggle in their day to day lives outside of caregiving. Millions of people across the United States are feeling the very heavy burden of caring for a loved one and it certainly takes its toll: financially, emotionally and physically.
‘A lot of caregivers experience guilt receiving and accepting help from outside sources. It is perfectly natural to experience that guilt but please know that it is O-K to seek help. If you hire a trusted caregiver to come into your loved ones house to help with cooking or daily chores, it will allow you to recharge. If you are rested it will make time with your loved one that much more enjoyable and satisfying’ says the Director of Operations at Happier at Home Deanna Bednarz. Companion care allows family caregivers to set aside time for their own well-being so they can continue to be present for the people they love.
Companion Care benefits clients who are experiencing increasing challenges in managing their households or living independently, but who do not require nursing care. In addition, many older adults and people living with chronic health conditions go through bouts of intense loneliness and isolation. People who are socially isolated have higher incidence of adverse health conditions such as clinical depression, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and even cardiovascular disease.
As more and more people are getting older there is a greater need for in-home services which means there will be a growing selection of companies to choose from as time goes on. ‘Choosing a companion care company to look after your loved one is a very serious decision. When you are looking for the right place for you and your family, I would ask the following five questions. One, is the company insured and bonded? In the event there is an accident in the home it is imperative that you will not be held liable. Two, will the same caregiver be coming every shift or will it be a different caregiver every time? Establishing a relationship between the caregiver and client is very important. Three, is this a locally owned and operated business? If it is not and there is an issue you may have to rely on a call center for support. Three, have you done your research? You can go online or ask previous clients what their experience with the company was like’. says owner Trent Voelkl.
It is okay to take your time when deciding what services to use. Happier at Home would be happy to meet with you and help you assess what type of care plan may be best for you and your family. If you or a loved one is in need of companion services Happier at Home of Buffalo serves all of the Western New York and can be reached at (716) 240-4400.
