Caring Companions Of Atlanta

Helping People Live With Dignity

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Happy Holidays Everyone

Home-Care-in-Atlanta-GAEarlier this week I was riding down in an elevator at a doctor’s office thinking about how I wanted a new car. Mine just turned 18 years-old and my “wheels” have become a source good natured entertainment to many of my friends (not to mention my kids!). As I pondered if my next chariot might be an Infiniti or Honda, an elderly couple made their way on to the elevator…one clearly living with a movement disorder. We exchanged pleasantries and rode down.

As I approached my car in the garage, I stopped at my trunk and had a moment. I felt silly for worrying about a car when I had my health. Sure, a car is nice to have…especially in Atlanta…but too often I get side-tracked by things that seem important but in truth are a detail.

As we approach the holidays remember that family, friends and our health and the greatest gifts we can ever receive. For many, these gifts are elusive.

I also hope you will enjoy The Piano Guys in action…and to think I though there was only one was to play the piano! Angels We Have Heard

Happy Holidays from your friends at Caring Companions of Atlanta

That Fancy Commode Made Quite a Splash!

Aloha!

The past couple of years I have had the privilege of being asked to participate in Aloha to Aging’s annual fund raiser. Dawn Reed, the Executive Director there has worked hard for the past 9 years to have a positive affect on older adults via their Adult Day and a long list of wonderful programs.

Great Crowd!

This past Saturday night, Aloha honored Dr. Betty Siegel (past president of Kennesaw State University) at the Gala which featured a silent auction, drinks and appetizers, a lovely sit-down meals and a live auction that included African Safaris, trips to Italy and even a three thousand dollar commode! A sincere thanks to Duravit USA and Tim Schroeder for donating the potty. It made quite a splash (was that a pun?!) and was absolutely a highlight of the auction (I have never heard such a murmur when it came up on the screen!).

The Commode

There were many notable guests (not the least of which was ME!) including Senator Johnny Isakson and Betty’s husband Joel. Numerous speeches honor Betty and it was a special night.

Dawn, thanks for letting me be a part of the event and keep doing all the good you do. I was even pleased to win an item in the silent auction (as if I know how to use a palm-nailer?!).

As Dawn says Aloha!

Adam

“Raves” for Seniors!

Older Londoners “rave” in parties over tea!

If there is one truth I recognized in working with older adults its that they all were once young and have the stories to back that up! Many retain their youthful sense of humor and perspective…even if the old body is slowing down. I love hearing about the experiences they had as they navigated life.

I regularly attend events geared towards older adults and dancing is commonly on the agenda. Most seniors like to boogie and many retain a rhythm that today’s youth can’t match!

Case in point are tea party “raves” taking place in London. I came across this article and loved the outfits and spirit of the folks “raving.” Remember, you are only as old as you feel. RAVE ON!

https://www.vice.com/en_uk/article/j5az48/this-nightclub-for-the-elderly-is-fighting-loneliness-with-tea-party-raves

Our Quarterly Caregiver Queen: Meet Aida

Every once in a while you come across someone that is truly special. Aida is that kind of person.

Aida replied to an ad we placed for a caregiver last winter. She was one of many, but I remember calling my business partner (Paul) after I interviewed her and telling him I’d thought I’d found a “winner.” She’d moved from California and was acclimating to her new home town. She said she’d not had any luck finding anything and was surprised. So was I. Their loss was Caring Companions gain.

Shortly after she started I got a call from one of the clients she was working with. Then another. Both clients told me they loved hav

Aida the Queen Caregiver
Aida the Queen Caregiver

ing her around. They not only appreciated her work ethic, but also enjoyed her company.

Caring Companions of Atlanta strives to not just find great caregivers, but align them with clients based on likes and dislikes. Personality fit, etc. It is an aspirational goal, but one we sincerely attempt to fulfill. In Aida’s case, she makes it easy. She seems to have a natural ability to adapt to various personalities…find common ground and establish an authentic connection. In retrospect, the day I received those calls was one of the best I have had as President of Caring Companions.

Aida is not just a caregiver for us, however. She has a family…including an adult sister she also cares for. She spends half her time with us…the other half caring for them. She has a passion for caregiving, but also can do much, much more and has been helping with recruiting in addition to her duties helping clients.

Thanks Aida…for helping folks in need and for being a part of the team. Monday morning, I paid a surprise visit to one of her client’s homes where Aida was working. I’d called the client and told her Aida was this quarter’s Caregiver Queen. The client asked me “do I need to keep it a secret?!” She was so excited to see Aida recognized. Aida was surprised complete with accolades, a gift card and flowers. We are proud to know you and appreciate what you do!

Adam

Hot Dog! Fun Friday at Amy’s Place in Historic Roswell!

If you have not “Liked” us, we can’t “Fun Friday” you. Thankfully, Pam and Earl HAVE “Liked”

us…so, this past Friday. Caring Companions of Atlanta had the pleasure of paying them a surprise visit, complete with donuts and a balloon! Take a close look at the balloon…quite apropos when delivered by two middle aged owners of a home care company in an industry so dominated by females!

Sniff, sniff!
Sniff, sniff!

Every time I drop by for a quick visit at Amy’s Place, I and up staying a while. It seems to attract good folks and I always open my ears and learn a thing of two. Friday, Paul and I ended up talking to Pam for quite a while and benefited from a unique perspective I’d never really considered. Pam recounted a story in which she cared for someone that suffered from dementia…a person that eventually lost recognition of her. In doing so, however, Pam eventually got to know that person from a perspective that never would have been possib

Earl likes Fun Fridays!
Earl likes Fun Fridays!

le had the disease never come to pass. Friday’s lesson…take what is presented and always think of the glass as half full. A silver lining awaits. I need to

take this to heart the next time I have that negative vibe!

So Earl seemed quits interested in both Paul and the donuts. On two occasions, the pint-sized dachshund broke into wind-sprints as Paul egged him on. It was quite a site to see his little legs in a blur as he raced back and forth. He later recovered from his antics on my lap. Earl really adds to the atmosphere at Amy’s Place. He has an energy and demeanor that makes folks smile. Well, me anyway!

I wonder if Pam ever offered him a donut!? Earl? Did you get one? If not, let me know…I’ll hook you up!