Yes, hiring a Caregiver can actually deliver a better return on investment (ROI) than gold or stocks. Consider Meghan and Jack’s story:
A jarring crash shattered the tranquility of that fateful afternoon. Jack’s health had been declining, but very gradually. His family, and in particular his daughter Meghan, had been grappling with the idea of hiring a Caregiver for him. Yet, the idea of the cost involved had left them hesitating.
That fateful afternoon, Meghan received a frantic call from a neighbor, her heart sinking as she listened to the trembling voice on the other end of the line. Jack had fallen in the bathroom, unable to get up, his pleas for help finally heard through the open bathroom window. Meghan rushed to his side and looked down at her father, helpless on the bathroom floor. She couldn’t help but wonder if her hesitation had played a role in this calamity.
Hidden costs of inaction
Doing nothing had proven far costlier than the financial burden Meghan had so feared. The hospital and rehab facility bills were staggering. But that is too narrow of a view of “cost”. The far-reaching consequences of procrastination also include:
Quality of life.
From bathing and dressing to housework and getting outside, Caregivers help ensure such essential daily activities don’t become a burden. Jack’s slip and fall on the wet bathroom tile left him with a painful limp, limiting his mobility.
Physical health.
- Half of seniors are not taking their medications as prescribed.
- The government estimates that nearly half of older Americans are malnourished.
- Due to declines in sight and smell, many elderly individuals are not aware of issues associated with their personal hygiene.
Medication reminders, meal preparation (and assistance with eating), and personal hygiene are all services that Caregivers assist with.
Emotional well-being.
Senior isolation is at pandemic levels. And has serious health implications. Having a Caregiver to talk to, play games and make new memories with, is golden.
Increased family Caregiver burden.
Millions of adults are caring for their aged family members. Many find they underestimated the commitment and costs, from stress and fatigue to missing time at work and with their own families.
Yes, when all of the costs are considered, along with the returns such as quality of life and happiness, it’s easy to see that dollars invested in hiring a Caregiver can have a better ROI than gold or stocks. Not only can it preserve family finances, it can also help ensure the golden years are in fact, golden. Meghan and Jack’s experience serves as a stark reminder that sometimes, the most significant cost isn’t the one reflected in a bank statement but the toll on the well-being and happiness of those we care about most. In the Des Moines, Lincoln, and Omaha/Council Bluffs metro areas, Sunlight Senior Care just may be your best investment option!
