Home Helpers - Massachusetts

Caring is Sharing (December 2008)
By Home Helpers, Jennifer Anastasiades

Chances are, you are familiar with the phrase “It’s better to give than to receive.” Based on this idea that it is “better” or “easier” to give than to receive, it should be no surprise that people often find it difficult to be on the receiving side of the care process. One of the common, yet inaccurate, beliefs about the care process is that people either give or receive. Notice how the words give and receive make the care process seem lopsided and may even suggest there is no benefit to the caregiver.

According to Jennifer Anastasiades, Owner of Home Helpers, “We believe the term care sharing better represents the care experience than caregiving because it more accurately reflects a mutual benefit.” As people face functional challenges due to age-related health problems, a chronic disease or an injury, it is quite common to hear them say they don’t want to be a burden to their family. Anastasiades said, “This type of comment is indicative of the perceived imbalance and lack of benefit to the caregivers.” The term caregiving often conjures up thoughts of people scurrying around completing a series of tasks. While there are many tactical activities associated with caregiving, such as providing help with daily living activities including meals, medications, chores and errands, one aspect of the care process that many of our clients tell us they value most is companionship.

It is probably no surprise that many people living by themselves get lonely. And, for those people who live with someone else, there is comfort in knowing a caregiver is there to provide assistance and help make life easier. Companionship is the area where the mutual benefit tends to be most apparent. “We whole- heartedly believe that everyone matters. Our clients have fascinating life experiences and wisdom to share. Whether telling a favorite story or engaging in a favorite hobby or pastime, our clients appear to thrive when reminiscing, doing things they enjoy, and making the most of each day,” said Anastasiades.

Asking questions can be a great way to get to know people. The following are a few questions that often lead to fascinating conversations and help people connect with one another:

“At Home Helpers, we believe that caregiving should be fulfilling and rewarding for both the caregivers and the care receivers. That is why we prefer the term care sharing,” said Anastasiades. The word sharing also suggests that when families are unable to provide the care loved ones need, it is okay to share the responsibility with organizations like Home Helpers. Our professional caregivers provide non-medical care services similar to what is often provided by family members and that help people maintain their independence, avoid isolation and maximize their quality of life.