PRHLIFE
HOME HELP FOR SENIORS by
DONATO ANGELOTTI photos by HECTOR VALENTIN
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ccording to US census estimates, the number of centenarians (100 years or older) in the United States is expected to rise to around 580,605 by 2040, compared to a total 79,692 on November 1, 2006. While these census bureau statistics demonstrate that our nation is definitely living longer, they also underpin the unprecedented advances made in modern medicine. And yet, longevity carries with it its own set of unique challenges. Those of us with elderly relatives in need of care are well aware of the emotional, physical and economical challenges. Longevity has also illuminated the need for quality care services and facilities. Not all of us are cut out to be caregivers. And nursing homes, assisted living and similar facilities exist for a reason. On the other hand, we are all too familiar with the cases of abuse committed at the hand of so-called ‘skilled professionals’. Choosing someone to whom you can entrust the care of a loved one is a monumental task. I met Ralph Digneo in his “Home Helpers” office on Oregon Avenue to learn more about the services he offers for senior care. Ralph’s vision sees the company’s services evolving as caregivers and seniors become more comfortable with each other. Home Helpers’ list of services include companionship, bathing,
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dressing, feeding, grocery shopping, light housekeeping, laundry, transportation to doctors’ offices, prescription pick-ups, errand services or anything else the senior may need. But I was especially interested in Home Helpers’ program to keep elders in their own homes. Consider an individual who has lived in the same house for 40, 50 years or longer. A sudden change could have significant ramifications, he explains, citing specific cases. It can be especially difficult for residents living in a traditional neighborhood like South Philadelphia. His aim and the mission of Home Helpers are to keep people in a familiar environment for as long as possible. Ralph explains how he got into the business quite by chance, how it has grown and some of his plans for the future. I am left with an overwhelming sense of this man’s passion and commitment to not only filling a gap in a market, but also in tackling the problem of underqualified, unsympathetic staff members employed in this industry. Our conversation is interrupted by several telephone calls, including one from one of his caregivers who calls in sick. No problem. As any well-prepared business person should, he puts a contingency plan in motion before continuing our conversation. There are clearly countless things that can go wrong in Th tthis business, and the aim is to ensure the comfort of his ssenior clients at every moment. According to Digneo, he employs carefully screened and trained caregivers who e have extensive experience in specialty care areas such h as Alzheimer’s, dementia, arthritis and hospice care, among many others. am I asked Ralph about the emotional aspect of the job, for it is clear to me that he too cares about his patients. He speaks of guarding his emotions closely, for fear of losing the sp objectivity necessary to perform in this often shunned social function. But he admits that at times it is not easy since many of his clients are people that he has known his entire life. A determined but humble man, Ralph is especially proud that Home Helpers is a family-owned business with local roots. Home Helpers also provides non-medical personalized care for new moms, accident victims and other home-bound residents. Contact Ralph Digneo at Home Helpers. 215.334.2600.
gohomephilly.com
12/6/09 11:49:59 PM