The first and possibly most important benefit is that each and every interaction with a caregiver directly impacts your social wellbeing which is excellent for you. Having a normal conversation, sharing ideas, keeping the spontaneity alive, using humor and laughter, actively listening, interjecting at the right times, responding intelligently and following the line of conversation is so much better than passively watching the television. Your verbal conversation with him or her keeps you psychologically engaged with the environment. And it is even better than the typical phone call because the caregiver’s physical presence increases your mind’s awareness to the physical stimuli and cues in the conversation. Moreover, by the caregiver driving you to your appointments, escorting you around town, checking with you about your medications, getting your input on meals, discussing household chores and playing board games with you, you are increasing you social connections in other areas of your life. This augments the brain’s activity which in turn reduces the risk of dementia. Research has shown that social activities such as the ones you engage with a caregiver appear to have a protective effect against dementia.
The second positive benefit for you is that they know how to drive; and thus you can enjoy the ride to your doctor, grocery store, senior center, retailer, etc. without you dealing directly with the traffic. Therefore, you can feel more calm than before because this cuts down on the anxiety associated with having to know the directions to the destination, the frustration of how best to get there, the complications of finding parking and the aggravation from encountering rude drivers on the busy city streets. It also opens you to the freedom of using the freeway and widens your comfort zone and so much more. They are not a chauffeur per se so don’t worry about a social status change, or having a driver is not exclusively for the rich only. Moreover, it is better than taking a bus, taxi, uber or constantly asking a friend or neighbor for a ride. After having this one of a kind driver, you will kick yourself for not having done this sooner.
The third benefit of maintaining a caregiver has to do with meal planning and preparation. Nutrition is so important to your wellbeing, and it becomes ones of the main activities of senior living. Not only is the socializing at mealtime and choosing what to eat truly rewarding, your nutrition is probably the single most important element in maintaining your health. Food intake is a fundamental need, and your body and spirit need to be fed so that you are happy and strong. A caregiver ensures that you eat well, that the refrigerator and cupboard are well stocked, that the food has not expired, that the meal is nutritious, that your diet is compliant with your health regiment, etc. You are special, and you especially need to be fed well so that you can live at home independently and moreover because an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
The fourth main advantage is that they can do other chores around the house in between the times you need them to prepare a meal or to drive you somewhere. Your maximum utilization of the caregiver will ease your mind about their productivity and the cost associated with the caregiver. The minimum time ascribed to maintaining a caregiver is four hours per day. That is, they want to be hired for at least that amount of time to make the visit to your home cost effective. And by giving them other things to do, it lightens the burden on you, gives you some private time as they are busy working around the house or yard and you will feel more rested and energetic. This also allows you the time to do the things that you always wanted to do.
The fifth benefit is that they can check and verify that you are taking your medications. I do not have to tell you how important that is. Moreover, they can be sure that your prescription medications and over the counter medicines, e.g. aspirin, Tylenol and cold and flu meds, are not expired. Finally they can be sure that there is enough quantity on hand before your next refill ships and order the next batch if necessary. Medication compliance is crucial to your physical and mental functioning.
The sixth benefit is that you are financially helping another person to have a meaningful job and career. You are still a productive and an important element in maintaining a caregiving labor force in the millions which also goes to show you that having a caregiver is very common. They are hired and paid by you, and they truly want to have a meaningful job. It is a win-win situation and please be proud of the fact that you are helping them. It is not simply that they are helping you!
The seventh benefit is something on which you cannot put a price. That is the assurance you give to your family that someone is looking after you. Their peace of mind is a tremendous gift and a fabulous grace that you give them. No matter how many times you say to them “Don’t worry” they do worry. This bond of love causes your family to worry about your health, safety, wellbeing, driving, nutrition, sleep, etc. And by you simply saying that that everything is ok and your ardent belief that you are ok, the actuality is that the real presence of the caregiver is the absolute PROOF that lets your family have an inner peace from knowing that all is being done for you. Therefore, you are giving them something wonderfully reassuring. You as a senior are giving more to the family than you receive from the caregiver! That is the TRUTH!
So to summarize the benefits that you attain with a caregiver: 1. You find a companion and assistant to your liking. 2. This new important social relationship can possibly forestall the onset of dementia, 3. They drive you around town and what a relief that is 4. They prepare your meals so that you are eating healthy – good for the body and soul, 5. They do light chores about the house which frees you up. 6. They make sure that you are taking your medications. 7. You provide them with meaningful work which is a good thing, and 8. You give your family peace of mind so that they are happy and therefore you are happy. Understanding these seven benefits is so very important because75% of the work in hiring a senior caregiver is getting you to accept him or her.