Aging isn’t easy—the changes that occur for older adults and their families can present a number of challenges, but fortunately, where there are issues, there are also solutions. An abundance of resources exists locally for families navigating the new changes they face. From increasing mobility to maintaining independence and health for senior family members, professionals in a variety of services can step in to help. In-home care companies offer companions who assist with daily activities, adherence to medication regimens, meals and more, while independent and assisted living homes present another option for people who seek community and immediate access to gyms, swimming pools, cafes, and activities, while also enjoying access to care when and if needed. The following local resources may offer your family the solutions you seek—from ideas for connection during difficult times to experts who can help guide decision-making, help is available.
In-Home Care
Home Instead Senior Care
While communities practice social distancing to l imit the spread of COVID-19, the loneliness many seniors already feel can be amplified. Home Instead Senior Care in Metairie recognizes the effects long-term isolation can have on the senior community, including higher risk of heart attack, stroke, depression, anxiety and premature death. They recommend the following ideas to ensure loved ones stay connected and engaged during these difficult times:
1. Set a schedule. Regular check-ins can go a long way toward helping older relatives feel supported.
2. Video chat. Technology can’t replace in-person human interaction, but video chat platforms offer a user-friendly way to reach out.
3. Call. Sometimes picking up the phone is the best way to get the job done.
4. Embrace snail mail. Sending a letter or postcard is an easy way to remind someone you’re thinking of them.
For more ideas on how to connect with older adults in your life, visit ReadytoCare.com or call Home Instead Senior Care at 504-455-4911.
Home Care Solutions
Home Care Solutions is a locally owned and operated company specializing in compassionate in-home sitting services, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Care, as well as Aging Life Care Management™ services to help your elderly loved ones extend their independence at home.
“Our mission is to help our clients age in place gracefully while maintaining as much independence as possible,” says Rachel Palmer, Community Liaison. “During the pandemic, many families are under additional pressure to provide care for an aging loved one—as many of them are also coping with massive changes to their own schedules and lives, we can step in and provide an extra arm of support that provides less risk of exposure than at a retirement community while allowing for continued connection with family.”
Caregivers are carefully matched to meet your loved one’s needs and personality, and their familiarity with local resources saves you time and often saves you money while their compassionate understanding of the aging process relieves you of unnecessary distress. For more information, call 504-828-0900 or visit HomeCareNewOrleans.com.
Retirement Communities
Poydras Home
Poydras Home will soon launch an expansion and transformation of its campus and care model, featuring two new buildings with three homes each, in which residents will have more personalized care and interaction. Homes will feature open floor plans and increased access to Poydras Home’s beautiful grounds. Poydras Home’s Historic House will be rebuilt as the Center for Healthy Living, where all residents will enjoy yoga, a therapy gym, a library, meditative space and more. Poydras Home is pleased to be working with Eskew Dumez Ripple architects to ensure the structural changes will be progressive and rooted in established, aesthetic traditions.
Poydras Home’s expanded care approach (based on The Green House Project model), groups a smaller number of residents sharing each house led by a dedicated Care Partner highly trained to make each day meaningful. This smaller community setup within the larger community has the added benefit of limiting COVID exposure.
For more information on Poydras Home’s services, visit poydrashome.com.
Lambeth House
Lambeth House, a trusted leader in retirement living located in Uptown New Orleans, looks to 2021 with great hope and enthusiasm. In the first two months of this year, Lambeth House successfully administered the Covid-19 vaccine to 99.74% of residents and staff. Amid an ongoing pandemic, residents and staff understand the importance of coming together to affect change in their community. As Dr. Jody Gates, a Lambeth House resident says, “The high inoculation rate is due to three things: the losses we experienced, Lambeth House administration’s attention to the science and sharing that information, and most importantly, our commitment to each other at Lambeth House. They also made it so easy for us to get the vaccine, which is not the case for so many seniors.”
Home to over 220 aging adults, Lambeth House offers independent living, assisted living, and nursing care services. Lambeth House is well known for its vibrant activities, upscale dining, and its focus on healthy aging. For more information, visit lambethhouse.com or call 504-865-1960.
Planning & Arrangements
Jacob Schoen & Son
Jacob Schoen & Son has been providing affordable pre-need and funeral services to families in Greater New Orleans since 1874. Whether you are looking for burial, cremation, or memorial services, the Schoen family and staff are committed to listening to your needs and creating a personalized funeral that is both memorable and uplifting. They bring together decades of experience caring for families of all cultural backgrounds and diverse walks of life. They pledge to treat you and your loved ones just like family, and they guarantee to offer services that meet your specifications while exceeding all of your expectations.
Located at 3827 Canal Street, Jacob Schoen & Son invites you to see the difference and compare the value. Stop by or call 504-605-0342 to learn more about their one-of-a-kind space, discuss what innovative options they have available, and learn more about how they can help you or a loved one fulfill their wishes. In-person and virtual accommodations are available with complimentary seamless live streaming.
