According to a 2022 survey by the University of Michigan Poll on Healthy Aging, the vast majority of older adults (50-80%) want to stay in their homes as they age. Unfortunately, these older adults may not realize all that aging in place entails; according to the same 2022 survey, only one out of every seven older adults surveyed agreed that they’d “given some consideration” to what their home would need in order for them to successfully age in place. One way that older adults can age in place is by setting up support systems, both inside and outside of the home. Today on the blog we’re talking with the Faye Molitor and Sheila Doeden, co-owners of Senior Helpers Ann Arbor to learn what Senior Helpers does, how to get connected, tips for those who might be considering in-home care, and how to get connected.  

 

Senior Resource Connect: If you had to give an “elevator speech” about what your organization does, how would you describe it? 

Faye Molitor & Sheila Doeden: We are Senior Helpers of Ann Arbor! We help seniors age safely and independently wherever they consider home. In-home care is a safe, affordable option for families that provides them with the support they need while allowing their loved ones to stay in the comfort of their own homes and communities. Our care team are good folks with caring hearts and have varying experience levels. 

 

SRC: Walk me through the step-by-step process. What happens when you get a phone call/referral?  

FM & SD: Our team is dedicated to ensuring that we are handling each inquiry in a very personal manner specific to each caller’s individual needs. We take all the time needed to make sure their questions are answered. 

We offer to talk about our services, as well as any helpful information that may aid in making an informed decision. If they would like to schedule a time to meet in person, then we set a time to meet with them and whomever else would like to be present. This is done free of charge. If they are still gathering information, we ask if we can follow up with them and when a suitable time would be to do that would be.  

  

SRC: What organizations do you work closely with? 

FM & SD: Home Health Care, Hospice, Care Managers, Attorney’s, other Home Agencies, Assisted Living, Independent living, Memory Care Facilities, Hospitals, Sub Acute Rehab’s, and physicians. 

  

SRC: What are some things you wish the public knew about your role?  

FM & SD: Over the 16 years of running our company together, Sheila and I have been of the same mindset on what it means to provide the best care possible to families. 

We don’t feel that setting limits on care provided is helpful, so we have never had a minimum number of hours required to start care.  We also do not require a contract, just a simple agreement that can be adjusted at any time.  We have no cancellation policy because providing care in whatever capacity that families need has always been our priority. 

 

SRC: What tips do you have for someone who may be looking at in-home care for themselves or a loved one? 

FM & SD: When looking for our type of care, most importantly they need to be comfortable and informed. Making sure that whichever agency or service they’re exploring are bonded and insured, do background checks on their staff, have an answering service for after-hour needs. and that they are flexible. 

 

SRC: Is there anything you would like to add? 

FM & SD: In our business we don’t set limits on helping folks- we do anything from an hour a week to living with people and anywhere in between. 

 

Thank you to Faye and Sheila for sharing this important community resource! To learn more about Senior Helpers, call (734) 927-3111 or visit their website.