There comes a time for many senior citizens where they can no longer physically do everything they need, or even want, to do every day. They may need assistance with tasks as simple as showering or dressing, or they may just long to be able to go to the grocery store or even family events like weddings without needing assistance.

In such cases, a caretaker may be able to provide much needed assistance but can often come with a stigma. Many fear that hiring a caretaker will lead to a further loss of their independence, but Malina Rivers, Community Outreach Director of BrightStar Care of Charlottesville, says hiring a caretaker can actually help senior citizens regain their independence.

“When you call BrightStar or any other entity like BrightStar,” she said, “it’s not about surrendering your independence, it’s about advocating for your independence.”

Getting back to what people love

Rivers said when BrightStar caretakers first meet with new clients, they start by asking them what they like to do. Oftentimes, the caretakers hear people say they “used to do” plenty of things, like go to the movies or the grocery stores. 

The caretakers then ask why they don’t do those things anymore, and how they can help them get back to what they love.

For many, a caretaker may only be needed for certain activities. Sometimes they are only needed for certain daily activities, like dressing or showering, and other times they are only needed when people want to get out of the house.

Going beyond just daily activities

But BrightStar’s assistance can go beyond just regular routines. Rivers said people in the past have hired caretakers to assist them at family events like graduations and weddings, and even vacations to places like the Outer Banks. BrightStar once even sent two caregivers with a couple on a six-month, world tour cruise.

In that case, the couple was mostly independent, but not quite enough to embark on the cruise by themselves. Rivers says in situations like that, caretakers can help people live their dreams while taking the burden off loved ones who may not be able to adequately assist them.

Figuring out how to get to yes

Rivers says in every case, BrightStar is always “finding ways to get to yes,” as they understand the importance of these events, big and small. Rivers added that social interaction is oftentimes more important than physical health, as people’s bodies heal better when they’re in a good headspace.

That’s why BrightStar’s caretakers start with people’s interests and take it, as she described it, “low and slow” in the beginning. But before people know it, Rivers said Brightstar will be able to get you to the big events in your life.

“We want you to enjoy your life,” she said. “If you’re going to live your life, you should be living it to your fullest.”