A True Pandemic

We’ve been told.  And yet, loneliness is at an all-time high. Busyness detracts from attentiveness and meaningful relationship. Technology distracts. European countries have literal “ministers of loneliness” addressing the secondary pandemic that remains as society’s “long covid”.

People, all people, have an innate need to be seen, heard, and loved; to be known. While we may know this in our heads, it became a (literally) painful reality for me during Covid. The lonesome was so intense it changed my body chemistry, and I could honestly say I was suffering.

I wasn’t okay. Many weren’t.

Fast forward: I’m back to a new “normal”, inclusive of people and community…but many aren’t. Many remain in forced solitude. For some, discouraging isolation feels like the only future assurance most days.

It’s no person’s “fault”, and I sincerely believe I’m meant to be a part of the solution; I’m called to serve and to love well. I’m called to really SEE people; to hear hearts and fill need without judgement.   For me, this looks like 1:1 interaction with people who may otherwise lack companionship.

Lovingly Managing Losses

Younger generations often don’t realize how many “little” losses occur as we age, both things and people.  What may seem small outside looking in can equate to loss of freedom, loss of community, or loss of identity for an aging person isolated from family and/or peer groups.  It’s mental anguish, it’s painful, and often, it’s incredibly subtle.

Entre Sarah.  I care about the things and people others may not have noticed.  I care about the needs that remain unnamed because no one was there to inquire, or because a person doesn’t want to be a bother.  What’s that thing he/she/you wishes could still be done?  If it can, I’ll help.  If it can’t, I’ll listen.

Mental Anguish

30-40% of U.S. adults report feeling lonely, with older adults more often affected.  Further, the rural, seasonal nature of our communities paired with dicey winter weather only increase the isolation of older residents living in our beautiful county.

NEED A COMPANION?

A commercial homecare provider may be your best option if major health concerns are in play.  It’s important to note that while certified by the Red Cross in CPR, I am not a medical professional.

If you’re concerned a loved one may be experiencing significant loneliness, and may need a companion to provide consistent, meaningful human interaction and assistance, I may be able to help.  Perhaps a helper would be useful for things like:

• Generalized conversation, activity, and companionship
• Continued movement/exercise/stretching according to ability
• Shared table games, walks, gardening
• Fraud support (mail, voice, digital)
• Home review (livability/comfort/safety/dietary)
• Transport to medical appointments falling during scheduled visits
• Accompaniment to social engagements (church, clubs)
• Study/education: mental sharpness, Bible or otherwise
• Grocery/clothing/shopping excursions when weather may not permit
• Simple meal preparation, occasional light cleaning
• Family updates when appropriate, while also maintaining confidences
• Seasonal home and clothing transitions
• Hygiene: hair salon or clean/style at home, dependent on need: feel human
• Reminders

I desire to serve, but I am not a servant.  I provide rides, but I am not a shuttle service.  My purpose is to come along-side and support individuals who desire assistance, all aspects of which are intended to be defined and exist in relationship.

Decluttering

The material possessions of you or your loved one have been lovingly acquired over a lifetime, stored as keepsakes for a reason.  It’s not the item itself…it’s the associated memory.  Reducing “clutter” isn’t easy; it’s actually quite difficult, and requires grace and patience, over time.  Time to process new losses must be provided. It’s important that the client be given the time and the audience to listen and let him/her grieve.  Allowing them to talk, reminisce, and perhaps create a written memorialization of items will more effectively allow this space, as well as ease ultimate future family loss of the client. I’m glad to take this journey with you/your loved one.

Please note that while we may not perceive the value of “clutter”, an emotional connection has been made by someone you love.  At no point in this process will the client’s feeling be dismissed or minimized.

Legacy Offering

People and words are my purpose.  If you or your loved one would like for me to “pen” a part or parts of your/his/her life during our time together, I’d be honored to do so.  In time, future generations may value the memories, wisdom, and family history, whether bound or digital.

Cost of Service

While I firmly believe I am called to love and care well for people, I also need to provide for myself in daily cost of living, health insurance, administration, continuing ed/certifications, etc.  Cost is typically by-hour, in four-hour blocks.

Perhaps you’re on this page for you.  That’s okay.  I’ve been there and I hope you find what you’re needing.  If the above seems like it may be helpful…please reach out.

“And let us consider how to spur one another on to love and good deeds. Let us not neglect meeting together, as some have made a habit, but let us encourage one another…” -Hebrews 10:24-25

“The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” -Genesis 2:18

Contact Sarah