seniors here to help

Longtime Westchester resident Debra Lang (pictured left with her managing director, Amy  Slingerland) was looking to make a difference in the community when she learned about Seniors Helping Seniors (SHS), a nationally-recognized franchise with about 150 chapters throughout the U.S. that provides companionship and care.

Now, 11 years into owning and operating SHS in Westchester and Putnam counties, Lang says warmly, “There is nothing like that feeling of knowing you have helped a client stay at home, be safe, active to some degree, and engaged on various levels—helping them enjoy their lives and still know they have purpose.”

Talk with the Seniors Helping Seniors crew at their booth at the October 1, 2023 Booming Better Expo!

In addition to companionship, SHS caregivers help clients live independently by providing the assistance they need to do so: everything from light housekeeping and laundry; meal preparation; medication reminders; accompanying them to doctors’ appointments, grocery shopping, social events and even visits to the hairdresser—all of those pieces of daily life that someone may need help with.

Most SHS clients opt for two four-hour shifts weekly, which enables them to get the help they need while feeling safe and secure at home. The welcome twist with SHS is that all their companions and caregivers are 55 and older—and come to the work with a variety of life and professional experiences.

Lang’s team of part-time employees are former nurses, teachers, stay-at-home moms, and office workers, among others. But what binds them as effective companions are those things you cannot teach: traits such as patience, compassion, empathy and being good listeners. Lang adds, “They are also observant, dependable and know when to jump in when something needs to be done.” Lang takes pride and joy in doing her part to help someone stay at home and maintain the lifestyle they want for as long as they can do so safely.

To learn more about companion services or job opportunities, visit www.SeniorCareNorthWestchester.com or call Debra Lang at 914-263-7716.

Latest posts by Westchester Senior Voice (see all)