Food and Friendship

Nutrition is proving to be vital to senior health and, experts say, key to aging well. Nutritionists are saying that we need to eat like our grandparents did, whole foods prepared simply. Seniors living alone will often reach for pre-packaged convenience foods such as canned soups or frozen dinners and this kind of eating can lead to malnourishment. I can’t think about senior nutrition without thinking about Emma, a client that started with us about 3 years ago. She was born during a world war in Poland, lived through a depression in the US and was not pleased about needing help in her home and she took every opportunity to make sure I knew it. I was struggling to find a Comfort Keeper that would build a relationship with Emma and not only provide care, but be her friend. And then I tried Herta in the home. Herta was born in Germany and loves to cook. She won Emma’s heart with her sauerkraut and sausage and fried liver and onions. Emma stopped eating frozen dinners and began to strengthen her frail body. The meals Herta prepared began conversations between the ladies and they developed a real friendship. Food can do that. It can take you back to your childhood, it can make you feel warm and cozy and, Gerontologists are telling us, it can reduce falls and hospitalizations.

Becoming a Comfort Keeper

Kolbi, one of our newer Comfort Keepers, called me last week to tell me a story about discovering a water leak in her client’s basement. She was so excited to have been a problem solver. I love to watch our employees gain confidence and blossom as caregivers.

So many people come to us a little nervous about entering a stranger’s house and feel intimidated by the thought of “providing care”. And then, even through a phone line, I can hear their enthusiasm as they share their first client experience with me. Each interaction they have builds their confidence.

Caregiving sometimes does not occur to people as a career choice but many of our
best Comfort Keepers have come to us as retired school teachers or nurses, stay at home Moms and college students. Caregiving is about making connections and developing relationships, the mechanics of it needn’t intimidate.

If you would like more information about becoming a Comfort Keeper, you can go to our website, or call us at 231-929-9044. Maybe you are meant for one of our clients.