Helping seniors to “age in place” by assisting with those daily activities that become more challenging over time is one of the hallmarks of the Seniors Helping Seniors business.
“There’s something nice about someone in your own age group lending you a hand,” said Kurt Marttila of Mercer County’s new Seniors Helping Seniors operation. “Having people of the same generation assist each other makes a huge difference.”
Seniors Helping Seniors provides a variety of non-medical services: transportation, help with grocery shopping, light housekeeping, meal preparation, taking care of pets and other tasks. This assistance can be a relief to seniors and provide a meaningful respite for the family.
“I got involved through personal experience with my parents,” Marttila explained. “My parents were living in Lawrenceville, I worked in Princeton, plus my three kids were all under 10. I was the closest of my siblings geographically, but I was being torn between helping my parents and taking care of my immediate family.”
The concept of “seniors helping seniors” appealed to Marttila because he and his parents could have used just that kind of assistance. The program alleviates many worries of family members who can feel comfortable knowing that these senior providers are doing the job for the right reasons: from the heart, and with caring and compassion.
The seniors that Marttila connects get quite a bit out of the relationship, as well. Marttila tries to match people based on common experiences, and he says these shared memories or mutual interests enable a special bond, one that often matures into a lasting relationship.
“Seniors usually feel more comfortable when the person coming into their home to help is closer to their own age because they know that such a person understands how aging feels –– emotionally and physically,” he noted. “In fact, what develops between a senior provider and the senior receiver is often a true sense of companionship.”
Marttila is currently seeking caring and compassionate seniors throughout Mercer County who are looking to stay active. It’s a great way for retirees to fill some hours, give needed support to others, and earn some money for their efforts.
Those interested in learning more about receiving help for themselves or for loved ones, as well as those interested in working for Seniors Helping Seniors are encouraged to call Marttila at 609-512-1104.
Seniors Helping Seniors. 2633 Main Street, Suite 202, Lawrenceville. 609-512-1104. Info@SHSNJ.com
