LOSS IS the greatest fear for many of our senior citizens: loss of independence and/or abilities, even the loss of a home. The threat of being unable to live independently is one of the most devastating fears when growing older. A new local company has opened to help seniors face their greatest fear.
Owned by David Chalk of Vilamoura, Home Instead Senior Care provides at-home companionship and other non-medical home care services for the elderly, including meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping, incidental transportation, errands and shopping.
“We are proud to serve our local community by providing trained caregivers, who help our senior citizens remain independent and at home,” Chalk said. Home Instead Senior Care’s services are available from a few hours a week to overnight, or 24 hours care on a temporary or long-term basis.
Statistical surveys indicate that more than 80 per cent of home care is provided by family members or friends. More than half of all family caregivers are women, but more men (44 per cent) are now helping. Most of these family caregivers have jobs, families of their own and many other responsibilities as well. An estimated 40 per cent are caring for children under the age of 18 at the same time as elderly friends or relatives.
The company has an exclusive 14-month training programme for its caregivers, who are screened, bonded, insured and who have successfully cleared criminal background checks. Special attention is given to matching caregivers with clients to achieve the utmost compatibility.
Locally, Home Instead Senior Care is working very closely with Carealarm Lda, a company with a wide range of safety monitoring equipment such as fall detectors, smoke and gas detectors and many other “assistive technology” products, all connected to a 24/7 call centre for immediate response to any emergency, day or night.
“The combination of human and assistive technology facilities offers a unique and affordable service to ensure our senior citizens remain in the security of their own homes with dependable and friendly support,” Chalk said.
The Home Instead Senior Care and Carealarm offices are located at Beco Marquês de Pombal, Loja E, 8400-447 Lagoa. For more information, telephone 289 362 275 or visit www.homeinstead.com or www.carealarm.net
