A Perfect Week to Discuss Family and Home Instead® Ready to Care

A Sponsored Post

Many of us will sit around our Thanksgiving table this week, and at some point, the topic of elder care will arise.  The timing of this post is to help with that conversation.  Home Instead® Ready to care is here to assist and encourage others to reach out and help.

I have to constantly remind myself that I am 65, and when people address “seniors” they are addressing me!  I am blessed to feel younger, stronger and vibrant. But, I am well aware that is not the case for everyone.  In fact, I have read that before 2020 the number of people 65+ will exceed children under age 5 for the first time in human history.

The research states, “Our rapidly aging society is poised to impact us all. By 2050, the 65+ population will be more than double that of the world’s youngest citizens. Additionally, those living beyond age 80 are expected to triple over the next 30 years.”

A large majority of my friends are caregivers for parents and family members who are in their 80s, 90s, and 100s.  It is sobering to think that in the not too distant future I will need assistance, but I want to be open to my family helping me, because my mother was not.  I believe she died before her time, because she fought those who tried to help.  Became angry, ugly and pushed everyone away.  I am determined that will not be me, and I believe that is not the majority of seniors either.  Most want to be noticed, cared for, inspired and told they matter.  I suppose one way I am aware of my age is to reach out more to elderly adults when I see them.  I know that I am still in the game, so I am sure many are and just want someone to give them time and respect.

With all this in mind, I am pleased to learn about Ready to Care.  This is a free movement designed to inspire more people to become community caregivers by providing inspiration via weekly text messages offering care tips and missions, and it was established by Home Instead, Inc.  Ready to Care identifies opportunities for people to volunteer, donate, and learn more about aging issues.  They have created a social media community for individuals to share their experiences and they desire to help in key areas of aging such as nutrition, isolation, dementia, mobility, health and safety.

The founders of Ready to Care believe if everyone will do just a little then more of the growing population of seniors will receive assistance, and not feel forgotten.  Since they began in 2018, more than 1,000 care missions have been completed.  Simple acts of caring like:

  • Say “Hi” to a senior: Put down your phone, look up, and say “hi” to as many seniors as you can this week.
  • Help with Yardwork: Lend a helping hand to a senior in need of yard work.
  • Get Career Advice: Connect with a senior and ask them to share their experience and advice about the working world.

 

If you have a heart to do more for seniors, then check out READY TO CARE here and see how you can help more in your neighborhoods.  Or perhaps you are the one who needs more help, let them know…do not hesitate to tell someone you need help.  It was my mother’s pride and stubbornness which kept her from accepting help.  Join with me and don’t let that happen to you. Let’s reach out to others, so someone will reach out when we need a kind word or help.

  1. Visit imreadytocare.com to sign up.
  2. Enter your information: name, mobile phone, country.
  3. Receive weekly senior care missions, tips, and inspiration delivered right to your phone.

Follow Ready to Care on Instagram, Facebook, and #ImReadytoCare

Disclaimer:  I was compensated for this post, but the words are my own.  Each Home Instead Senior Care franchise office is independently owned and operated.

11 Comments

  1. Well Pam, I’m one of the ones caring for an aging parent. It is hard. I am more aware than ever of my own mortality, probably due to this situation with my mom. I know it is crucial to plan ahead (she and my dad did not, not really) and make arrangements for ourselves for the time that we are going to need help. I do know some women in their 90’s who are still active and involved (a key to aging well), and as much as I want to be one of them one day, there are no guarantees. My mom has severe dementia. Very frustrating. I sit here and feel like crying because just when we need to be at our most compassionate, something happens that is beyond frustrating and we blow it and have to start all over trying again. As more facilities crop up to accommodate all the baby boomers, and as more organizations appear, you can see they are responding to a great need. I can say this, it is vital, cannot be stressed enough to stay ACTIVE and social and mentally involved to age well. Assisted living places are hugely expensive, just when people can afford it the least, and that is another problem that appears won’t be resolved any time soon. My mom does not need or receive skilled nursing care, so her place charges a fortune. It is not even the most expensive place we looked at. I think the idea of people in the community helping is good, although it does take a special kind of person to respond to the needs of the very elderly. This topic is extremely sobering for me as my sister and I are valiantly trying to give our mom the best life possible. It could easily be me in the not too distant future. And often, family is not the best solution, sad to say in many cases (not mine, but I’ve seen it.) I know I will be even more involved with my mom when I am retired (semi-retired), but I will also be stepping up my own personal exercise game with more time to do it.

  2. Karen, I feel for you. It is so hard to take care of parents in their senior years. I was the closest daughter so I watched out for both my parents. My Dad ended up in a swing bed facility at the hospital in town and died six months later. My Mom was able to stay home until the last couple months of her life which she spent in hospitals. She never wanted to go to a nursing home and got her wish as she died in the hospital. I felt so lucky that I lived close to my parents and was able to spend time with them. I hope that when the time comes that I need care that I will go willingly to a nursing home.

  3. Me too, Susan. My mom fought us so hard…to the point of doing ridiculous things..that I hope I will only be cooperative with the wishes of my children. Thanks so much for sharing and for displaying your obvious love for your parents.

  4. Thank you, Pam, this is a great post! I agree with everything stated by everyone. I had not heard of Ready To Care before now. I try to smile at others, to give a compliment when I can. This is one more way to evolve our society one person at a time. Happy Thanksgiving!

  5. When my husband died I had a full time job and was a caretaker too. It was hard but luckily he retained his excellent mind until the last month or so when he had to go to a nursing home. He could not sit up and I simply could not lift him. After he died a good friend asked me if I had long term care insurance. I bought it at once and though the premiums are high it is worth it. Until you have to face caring for an elderly person you have no idea how expensive it is to have home care or care in a facility. I urge all middle aged people to get long term care while they are still young enough to get it.

  6. I appreciate you sharing, Jill and so sorry you went through this difficult experience. You are so kind to want to help others. I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.

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