The holidays can be a hectic time for seniors and their family caregivers in Cincinnati, in Louisville or indeed anywhere.

Between working, shopping for Christmas gifts, running errands and planning family get-togethers or travel, family caregivers have a lot more on their plate than usual.

So, how can Episcopal Retirement Services (ERS) help? What services do we offer Cincinnati seniors and their families, that can help them get through the holiday crunch and continue living well through the coming year?

Let’s talk about them.

Deupree Meals On Wheels keeps seniors safe and well-nourished

Did you know that Deupree Meals On Wheels deliveries can be arranged on a part-time or short-term, full-time basis?

Cincinnati seniors who are aging in place, who depend on their family members for daily wellness checks and meals, can sign up for meal deliveries from our service.

That frees their family caregivers up, during the busy holiday season, to pick up that part-time job for extra money, have time to shop and run errands, or just to take a well-deserved respite care break.

And, after the holidays are over if seniors and their families want to make the Meals On Wheels care relationship more permanent, they can certainly do so on a part-time or full-time delivery schedule.

Many elders enjoy seeing new faces and making new friends with our volunteer delivery drivers (not to mention, they love the meals we prepare for them!) so they elect to continue receiving the service. And they’re not alone.

Deupree Meals On Wheels continues to break records for meal deliveries to Cincinnati seniors. In 2016, our Hyde Park-based team served 102,688 meals to Cincinnati seniors — an astounding 20 percent increase over our volume in 2015, which in and of itself was a record-setting year!

This year, we’re on pace to set the record again. If you, or your older loved one, live on the east side of Cincinnati and could use some help with meals and daily check-ins, we have you covered. Click here to contact Deupree Meals On Wheels.

More support for seniors and their family caregivers

As joyful as they’re supposed to be, we know that the winter holidays are rough for many families. For seniors who live alone, who have recently lost a spouse or partner, that’s especially true. It’s also true for adult children who have recently lost a parent but are still looking after their surviving parent.

Caregiving can be a rewarding experience, but it’s not an easy one.

As mentioned above, the holidays are particularly hectic for family caregivers. Many of them are providing for their senior loved one’s needs even as they try to balance their own work, family lives, and personal needs.

That’s why we host free and open support groups for seniors and their family caregivers at Marjorie P. Lee Retirement Community in Cincinnati, and at Episcopal Church Home in Louisville.

Our support groups provide a safe space to vent, an experienced sounding board, and considered advice to seniors and their family caregivers. They meet semi-monthly, so check with the ERS retirement community nearest you to see when the next scheduled meeting will take place.

Living Well Senior Solutions keeps seniors safer, healthier

Another critical support service we offer to seniors and their families is personalized wellness management through Living Well Senior Solutions.

Our experienced ERS care managers alleviate stress and worry by helping families arrange community-based senior services or in-home nursing, or accompanying you to medical appointments to ensure you and your doctor are on the same page and to help you understand his or her care recommendations.

We can also help you to research and answer questions about your loved one’s Medicare and insurance coverage, connect you with care experts and, should the need arise, arrange and ease your older loved one’s transition into residential care.

Would you or your elder benefit from having a knowledgeable, extra pair of eyes in the course of care? Click here to contact Living Well Senior Solutions. Let’s find out how we can be of service to you.

These are just a few of the ways ERS supports seniors and their families through the holidays and year-round.

Want to know more? Keep following our ERS blog.

Or, email us and request more information. Let Episcopal Retirement Services help you and your family shoulder the burden of care this holiday season — and in days to come.