Helping Hands Caregivers: They Put the Care in Caregiving …

November is recognized as National Family Caregivers Month and National Home Care Month. Every day, caregivers representing countless organizations and agencies nationwide dedicate themselves to the faithful service and professional care of those in need. According to a 2009 study conducted by the National Alliance for Caregiving in collaboration with AARP, more than 65 million people (29 percent of the U.S. population) annually provide care for a chronically ill, disabled or aged family member or friend. Care organizations, such as Helping Hands Caregivers, located at 9444 Two Notch Road, Suite C3, Columbia, often play a critical support role in assisting families faced with trying to help loved ones find and maintain a successful and meaningful state of independent living.    

Founded in 2004 by Marcia Hughes and Marilyn Snooks and celebrating its 12th successful year, Helping Hands Caregivers has provided professional care and assistance to countless families living in Columbia and the greater Midlands. The organization remains deeply committed to the mission of treating loved ones with respect and excellent care. Through its professional supportive care and companionship services—designed to foster independence, freedom and quality of life for those wanting to remain in the comfort of their own home or residential facility—Helping Hands Caregivers helps individuals and families in important areas, such as meal planning/preparation, house cleaning, laundry service, grocery shopping, home safety, errand running, transportation and communication assistance, personal hygiene/grooming, ambulation/mobility assistance, medication monitoring, general observation, and strength and balance training.

 As is often the case, family caregivers struggle greatly to lead and maintain balanced lives while providing the necessary support and care for their loved ones in need. For this reason, the organization takes great pride in understanding the complex dynamics of family relationships and works diligently to help those impacted find peace of mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and recover much-needed personal time and freedom. The staff of Helping Hands Caregivers respects and honors the collective sacrifices and invaluable contributions made over the course of a lifetime by those it serves by helping them live life with dignity and vitality.

 As part of the inquiry process, inquiring individuals receive a complimentary consultation to assess the specific needs of affected loved ones as well as those family members that are playing a supportive role. This helps acquire valuable information and the insight necessary to make decisions as how best to help.

This month, Helping Hands Caregivers will provide a home-cooked turkey dinner with all the trimmings as a symbol of gratitude and appreciation for two elderly couples or individuals selected from nominations submitted by residents within the community. The meals will be provided by Entrees by Andre, a local catering company. People are encouraged to call with their nominees. In addition, Thanksgiving meal preparation assistance will also be available.

 Without a doubt, life can be difficult and discouraging … particularly for those left alone. Helping Hands Caregivers looks forward to helping individuals and families in need of its services, including those left to spend the holiday season all alone.

To schedule a free consultation and for more information, call 803-699-1016, or visit HelpingHandsCareOfSC.com or Facebook/Helping Hands Caregivers.