Keeping Families Together
Bathing,
grooming, dressing, medication checks, doctor appointments, ambulation,
laundry, cleaning, meal preparation, feeding, physical activity, community
outings, companionship, and much more are required of a caretaker. Tikki Smith is familiar with these tasks as
the personal attendant for her mom, Maggie, who is 73 years old. Like many elderly today, Maggie cannot live
alone. Thanks to SRVS Elderly and Adult
Disabilities Services Program, Tikki was able to fulfill homemaker training
requirements and become her mother’s caretaker.
Tikki has also been able to receive assistance through respite care.
“It’s
nice when a family member can take care of her own family. Many families have
to work and are not able to do this,” says Smith. “The program allows me to give back to my
mother who loved and nursed all her children when they were sick. She feels safe and comfortable with a family
member.”
“It’s
nice when a family member can take care of her own family.”
Former Program Director Cherry Davis says the approved
Choices administered program allows families the option to care for their loved
one which gives them peace of mind to know they are doing everything they can
for that person. “Tikki is an excellent
caregiver and very particular about her mom.
She instinctively knows the little things that make her mom happy.”
The
program helps families in the community with in-home and community based
support to adults aged 65 years and older, and adults aged 21-64 who are living
with a physical disability. Individuals
may also choose to enroll in adult day center services, including SRVS Learning
Center.
Back to Elderly & Adult Disability Services