February is the perfect month for us to focus on love and caring for others! As we approach Valentine’s Day, let’s focus this month’s blog on the benefits of caring for your loved ones at home.

According to a recent study by AARP (American Association of Retired Persons), 90% of seniors prefer to be cared for at home. Seniors feel safe and more comfortable in a familiar setting. They can sit in their favorite chair and are surrounded by their photographs and memories, which is naturally comforting.

For the family caregiver, providing at-home care can potentially lower stress for family members and give them peace of mind knowing their loved one is well-cared for at home. While caregiving comes with its challenges, it also can bring a family closer together.

When my father was diagnosed with dementia, my family and I made a commitment to take care of him at home. We made this decision as a family without hesitation. Even though some days can be difficult, I never view this situation as a burden, but more of a privilege. It is an honor to take care of him.

For years, I’ve served other patients and helped so many families in a hospital. Now, I have the opportunity to support my father when he needs me most. I have one specific memory when I was cooking dinner for everyone, and I was thinking to myself, “Wow, I get to cook for my father. I get to make homecooked meals with love, just as he taught me.” He was the one who cooked for our family for years. Everyone around him knew that he was a master chef! He was very meticulous with his cooking, and was therefore very particular about the food he ate. And now, here he is, eating the food he’s taught me to cook. For me, this felt equivalent to cooking for master Chef, Bobby Flay! What an honor to cook for him and take care of him =) At home with me. I’m grateful that I get to spend quality time with my father every day and create lasting memories with him. It’s the simple things that bring joy…

• Sharing a meal together

• Going for evening walks

• Listening to him play the harmonica

• Going to church on Sundays

• Listening to him reminisce about the past

• Just being present in the moment with him

Caring for a loved one at home provides benefits like maintaining their independence, allowing them to stay in familiar surroundings, providing them security, offering personalized care, reducing feelings of isolation, and providing companionship.

My husband and I started Silver Lantern Homecare so that we could support our senior community and provide guidance to other family caregivers. We ensure that our clients are cared for with compassion and dignity, while promoting independence and quality of life at home.

If you’d like to know more about our in-home caregiver services, give us a call at (281) 205-1010