There are approximately 77 million baby boomers in the United States. About 80 percent of seniors have at least one chronic health condition that limits activity and requires some form of caregiving. As many families live long distance from their aging loved ones, the task of providing care has proven to be challenging at times.

In December 2011, local resident Amy Kuchuris decided to lend a helping hand by launching a local home care agency to meet the needs of residents in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas. With her company Home Helpers, Amy works with clients individually to tailor flexible care plans to meet their specific needs and budgets. Services offered include companionship, personal hygiene, meal preparation, transportation, and medical services including medication management, vital signs monitoring and care management.

While many seniors will eventually require some level of assistance and care, they find it difficult to ask for help. People value their independence and privacy, and they do not want to be a burden on their family and friends.

The following is a list of indicators to help family members and friends quickly assess if their aging loved one might need some extra assistance:

1)      Medical Condition – A recently diagnose disease, illness or injury could affect your loved one’s ability to function on a daily basis.

2)      Driving – If your loved one’s vision, hearing and/or reflexes are impaired, this may increase their risk for being involved in a car accident.

3)      Food/Nutrition – Take note of your loved one’s diet to ensure they are eating well-balanced meals and maintaining a steady weight. Is the food in the refrigerator within its expiration dates?

4)      Hygiene – Take note of your loved one’s overall appearance, smell and ability to wear suitable clothing for the weather. Are the bed linens, bath towels and laundry clean?

5)      Behavior – Is your loved one anxious, irritable or depressed? Do they have difficulty remembering names, places and current events?

6)      Daily Tasks – Are basic tasks, such as going grocery shopping and preparing meals, becoming overly challenging or time-consuming for your loved one?

7)      Medication – Is your loved one able to manage his or her medications properly including dosage, frequency and changes to prescriptions? Are prescriptions being refilled in a timely fashion?

8)      Finances –Is your loved one able to manage his or her personal finances, pay bills and balance the checkbook?

9)      Mail – Is the mail stacking up? Do you see past due or delinquency notices?

10)   Safety – Does your loved one remember to turning off appliances and extinguishing candles or cigarettes? Does he or she keep the doors and windows locked?

For more information, call Amy at (719) 434-1971 or e-mail amyk@homehelpers.cc.