The Benefits of In-Home Care for the Older Adult Population
In this Living to 100 Club Podcast, we explore the world of in-home care, a service that allows older adults to remain in their own homes as long as possible. Our guest is Russ Knopp, the owner of Comfort Keepers Home Care in Traverse City, Michigan. We discuss how to know when in-home assistance is needed, what services are available, and the types of individuals who benefit the most from having care brought into their home.
Russ shares personal stories about some of his clients, a rural geographic area in the lower part of the peninsula in northern Michigan. How did his company, his staff, and his clients manage the new challenges brought by Covid? What about those homeowners who are resistant to this service, even though family and neighbors request it? We also discuss that fine line when in-home care is no longer sufficient, and out of home placement is needed. This is an educational conversation that will help with the decision-making of many of our listeners. Tune in.
Mini Bio
When Russ was thirteen years old, his grandmother fell and became a paraplegic. Her doctors told the family that she would need to go to a nursing home and that she had about 6 months to live. Russ’ mother and her siblings, who lived in Toledo, Ohio, made the decision to bring Grandma back to her own home instead, where the family cared for her – for the next nine years! Among all of the children, their spouses and grandchildren, the family provided total care, around the clock.
When he was old enough, Russ started helping, and through college, he often worked the night shift. His grandmother was able to participate in family events, see her grandchildren grow up, and overall enjoy a great quality of life in her elder years. Having seen first-hand what is possible with in-home senior care, Russ related to the mission from the moment he heard about it.
Items for Our Listeners
Website for Comfort Keepers in Traverse City, MI
