The older adult population (age 65+) across the U.S. is booming thanks to the Baby Boomer generation reaching retirement age; Berks County is no exception to this growth.
Sherry Kutz, Client Relations Manager of Assured Assistance, says the most recent U.S. Census data shows a 12.83 percent increase in the county’s older population between April 2010 and July 2015. Unlike previous retirees, today’s older Americans are increasingly opting for independence and are living in their own homes, sometimes alone.
According to Kutz, home is full of memories, and it “is where people feel most comfortable and have a sense of security. It is this sense of security that is driving people to research ways to remain in their homes.” Unfortunately this independence and sense of security, not to mention basic safety, are often hindered by the body’s aging process, which can make it difficult to go up and down stairs or even walk to the mailbox without assistance. Companies like Assured Assistance and Paramount Living Aids aim to give seniors their independence despite their limitations.
Assured Assistance was founded by Lora Gabriel Abramowitz in 2003 when she had to find home help for her aging parents. When she couldn’t find the services she needed in Berks, she started Assured Assistance and then sold the company to Keith Derr in 2011. In 2014, Derr and partner Dave Reinhart acquired Paramount Living Aids.
Assured Assistance provides non-medical home care and assistance to clients; this includes companionship, housekeeping and laundry, grocery shopping, running errands, meal preparation, grooming and hygiene services, and family respite. While these services are geared toward older clients, the company can provide assistance to those transitioning to home living during recovery periods following accidents or the birth of a child, for example. It also provides services to people with physical disabilities.
The company has a team of caregivers who create individualized care plans; then clients and their care plans are carefully matched to the appropriate caregivers. Kutz says what sets Assured Assistance apart from other similar companies is that its caregivers are bonded company employees, and staff is on call 24/7 rather than having a call center to answer after-hours calls. She says, “Every call is answered by someone who knows our clients and our caregivers so we can consistently provide the best service possible.” The office dog, Eiffel (a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel), also occasionally makes client visits and has become quite popular.
While Assured Assistance provides the home care, Paramount Living Aids provides the needed modifications to make home mobility possible. The company specializes in many types of home adaptations, including stair lifts (straight or curved), modular and portable ramps, handrails, grab bars, and lift chairs. Paramount Living Aids even provides outdoor lifts that are weather resistant so they can withstand the harsh rain, snow and ice of Berks County. These lifts allow seniors to easily enjoy being outdoors. Prior to installation, the company provides a free home safety evaluation.
Kutz adds, “Seniors are moving away from the traditional retirement community or facility experience. They are wondering why they cannot remain where they want to be. The bottom line is they can, with some planning to make it work.” Both Assured Assistance and Paramount Living Aids aim to be partners in this planning and to help aging residents maintain their dignity and independence at home through a focus on safety and compassionate caregiving.
For more info on Assured Assistance, visit assuredassistance.org. For more information on Paramount Living Aids, visit paramountlivingaids.com.
