With advances in modern medicine, many adults are living longer than previous generations with the elderly becoming one of the largest growing segments worldwide. The Jamaican landscape is no exception, reflecting a rapidly aging population with persons 60 and over currently representing 11.9 per cent of its citizens.
As this segment increases, greater consideration must be made in terms of how to meet the needs of retired professionals and senior citizens. While good health care, proper nutrition, diet and exercise are essential to maintenance of a longer, healthy life; studies have shown that social activities and family support are also critical for the general health and well-being of seniors.
Research indicates that the frequency of contacts, emotional closeness, sense of support and mutual trust as well as living together with the closest family member can have a positive influence on seniors’ health, even decreasing mortality rate. The social and emotional bonds create an overall sense of life quality in the specific spheres: psychophysical, psychosocial, subjective, metaphysical and mental. On the other hand, it was found that loneliness and isolation had the potential to lead to health disparities and depressive symptoms.
In discussing ‘Older adults’ perspectives on successful aging qualitative interviews, Reichstadt et al said that older adults attribute successful aging to quality of life while a “feeling that somebody cares” played an important role in their sense of well-being. Additionally, interviews with the elderly found that those who had achieved a meaningful way to stay active in society by working, volunteering or interacting socially expressed a greater sense of happiness.
Over the past year we have proven these research findings in our own business, Angels4U Home Care. From our experience, our clients who constantly have family around tend to do much better, are generally happier and have more positive outlook on life. Meanwhile those with close relatives living far or abroad tend to have more issues.
But this is where we come in. While we cannot replace loved ones, our goal is to ensure everyone we care for, especially the elderly feels loved and validated. Though we go into the home to care for them it’s not about putting them in a corner or leave them to watch TV. We interact with the clients, read to them, have conversations, play games, take them on walks and even accompany them to events they’d like to attend. It’s really about companionship that sincerely wants them to be comfortable and happy.
Also, recognising that the state of wellness is characterized by experiencing pleasant emotions, having a low level of negative moods, as well as enjoying high life satisfaction, Angels4U Home Care recently held ‘Timeless’, a Pre-Christmas Senior Soiree for retired professionals and their families. We wanted it to be an intergenerational event where the seniors and their families-children and grandchildren; play, eat and enjoy socializing together while interacting with and meeting other families. It was indeed celebration of family. We have had raving reviews about this event. The seniors had such a ball. So we are definitely looking into how we can add more social interaction outside of the home, while providing companionship within.
Angels4U Home Care is a new service provider meeting the needs of many Jamaican families, providing premium care services in the comfort of people’s homes. The company supplies qualified nurses trained and certified care assistants for the elderly, persons convalescing and rigorously screened nannies for children.
Melody Cammock-Gayle is the Director of MC&Associates - a marketing and communications consultancy in Jamaica.
Melody Cammock-Gayle is the Director of MC&Associates - a marketing and communications consultancy in Jamaica.
