Page 148 - South Mississippi Living - November, 2018

GOLDEN YEARS lending a hand
Christina Hutton
Jessica Nelson
Jeneen Beard
Mar y Sukiennik, owner
Kelli Ratliff
Kaylene Lutz
Lauranne Tomaszewski
Pstory by Lynn Lofton photo by Donn Hupp
roviding help that allows seniors to stay in their homes is an important part of elderly care. It started growing as the Baby Boomer
generation reached senior citizen status with the goal of helping them maintain their daily routine.
The need for in-home care will continue to grow, according to Mary Sukiennik, who, along with her husband Jim, owns Home Instead Senior Care in Ocean Springs, covering the three Coast counties. “We were at a point that both of our mothers needed care, and we realized that other adult children’s parents probably did, too,” she recalls. “We do things you would do for your parents but can’t because
of the demands of your life. We want our clients to have the same care we wanted for our mothers.”
Home Instead Senior Care is an international franchise that is locally owned. Because of that organization, potential employees must meet franchise standards, including four references and a national criminal background check. An initial drug screening is done and done randomly of all employees throughout the year. Sukiennik says this screening is much more than necessary in Mississippi, which does not regulate private pay home care.
“The care we provide may start with a few simple things and a minimum shift of three hours and progress to
24/7 care,” Sukiennik says.
That care can include assistance
with bathing and dressing, light housekeeping, meal preparation, transportation for medical appointments, medication reminders, personal companionship and care for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
1716 Government St., Suite C, Ocean Springs 228.818.6110 HomeInstead.com/486
SEVEN KEYS TO HAPPY, HEALTHY AGING
1) VOLUNTEER FOR A WORTHY CAUSE
You can make a difference.
2) TAKE UP DANCING
It’s a relatively low-impact way to stay active.
3) GO BACK TO SCHOOL
Learn something new; maybe painting, pottery or philosophy. Seniorplanet.com has some tips.
148 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • November 2018
4) JOIN A SOCIAL CLUB
There are health benefits to remaining connected to others.
5) TAKE UP A NEW HOBBY
It will give a renewed sense of purpose.
6) TRAVEL NEAR OR FAR
Traveling wakes up your inner curiosity.
7) GET A PET
Pets are a comfort and an excuse to take a walk.
source activebeat.com
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