Supporting Homebound Seniors: Accessing Local Resources in Havertown, PA
If you’re an adult child to an aging parent, you’ve probably felt a mix of emotions as you watch them grow older. Feelings of joy and gratitude can coincide with other emotions, such as worry and anxiety, especially when your parents begin to need more help. You’ve probably also experienced a shift in roles as your parents lean more on you for support. Your relationship isn’t just about family gatherings or holiday dinners anymore; it’s more about ensuring your parents’ safety, comfort, and happiness in a world that sometimes feels increasingly isolating.
Balancing care and support with respect towards our aging parents can be a tricky task. While we want to ensure our parents’ safety and well-being, respecting their independence and dignity is equally important. Yet, what do you do when Mom or Dad need extra care and support at home or are struggling to stay connected because mobility issues prevent them from leaving home?
Fortunately, Havertown, PA is packed with resources designed to help seniors live their best lives right in the comfort of their own homes. Below is your guide to local resources that can make a significant difference in the lives of Mom or Dad this winter season, ensuring their physical, emotional, and social needs are met.
Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA)
The PDA is an excellent resource for seniors and their families, offering assistance with benefits, financial aid, home-delivered meals, caregiver support, health and wellness services, and finding your local senior community center. Their goal is to help seniors maintain their independence while ensuring they have access to essential resources. If you don’t know where to begin to look for help for Mom or Dad, the PDA is an excellent place to start.
Meals on Wheels
No one should have to worry about their next meal, especially seniors who may have difficulty navigating the grocery store or preparing nutritious meals. Meals on Wheels of Delaware County is a fantastic program that delivers nutritious meals right to the front door of seniors in need. This organization not only ensures that Mom or Dad are eating well, but it also provides a friendly face to check in on them.
Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA)
COSA provides essential support for homebound seniors, including organizing activities and events that encourage social interaction, helping to reduce feelings of isolation among homebound seniors. They offer transportation options for seniors who need help getting to appointments, the grocery store, or community events. They can also help seniors and their families find other valuable local resources available to homebound seniors, such as health screenings and wellness programs. Most importantly, COSA can match homebound seniors with volunteers who offer companionship through home visits, ensuring seniors stay socially connected and engage in meaningful conversation.
Transportation Services
Sometimes Mom or Dad become homebound because they don’t feel comfortable driving in wintry conditions or after the sun sets so early. Local transportation options, such as Delaware County Transit, can help seniors get out during the winter season and beyond. They offer rides to medical appointments, grocery shopping, and social events, making it easier for seniors to stay connected to their community when external circumstances might have prevented them from doing so.
Visiting Angels Havertown, PA
Another vital resource for adult children concerned about their aging parents is Visiting Angels Havertown. We provide quality in-home care for seniors who need help maintaining their safety and independence. Our professional and compassionate caregivers can assist Mom or Dad with a variety of non-medical tasks, from physical and mobility assistance to preventing loneliness and depression through companionship services. We are proud to offer customized care plans that allow us to meet the specific needs of your aging loved one. Whether you’re looking for temporary care to help Mom or Dad navigate the winter months or believe it’s time that your parents receive more frequent visits to ensure their safety and well-being, we can help. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Give us a call today at 610-557-8420 so that we can learn more about your situation.