Articles

Laughter is Good for the Soul (September 2008)
By Home Helpers, Jennifer Anastasiades

• An elderly gentleman was invited to his long-time friend’s house for dinner one evening. He was impressed by the way his buddy was preceding every request to his wife with endearing terms such as Honey, My Love, Darling, Sweetheart and Pumpkin. The couple had been married for almost 50 years, and clearly, they were still very much in love. While the wife was in the kitchen, the man leaned over and said to his friend, “I think it’s wonderful that, after all these years, you still call your wife those loving pet names.” The friend hung his head. “I have to tell you the truth,” he said, “I forgot her name about 10 years ago.”

• One weekend a man decided to call his elderly mother in Florida as it had been some time since they last chatted. The man asked “How are you doing?” She replied, “Not too good. I feel very weak.” The son then asked, “Any idea why you feel so weak?” She said, “Because I haven’t eaten in 38 days.” The son then asked, “How come you haven’t eaten in 38 days mom?” His mother replied, “Because I didn’t want to have my mouth filled with food when you called.”

We share these stories not only for a laugh but also to make a point. People often do crazy things that don’t make sense to others. Whether struggling with memory and forgetting people’s names or exhibiting an unusual and unexpected behavior change such as not eating, many people will simply not ask for help or pick up the phone themselves. Whether someone is facing complications from diabetes, is fatigued as a result of cancer treatments, is facing physical challenges as a result of arthritis, or is experiencing more frequent senior moments, help is available for both the individual and his or her family members.

While many families want to provide care for their loved ones that is both needed and deserved, many families are simply not able to meet the day-to-day needs of an aging parent or ill spouse or family member. Due to increased pressures at work, household and family obligations and other commitments, many families find Home Helpers to be a wonderful solution. To learn more about our services and how we may be of service, call us at 617-413-9101.

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