Caregiving at home for seniors

(WTNH) - There's a high demand for home care with the increase of aging baby boomers. And, there are a number of caregiving services to help Connecticut seniors live an independent life without leaving their home.

Dorothy Bresson undergoes kidney dialysis once a week but her daughter lives out of state. "She knew I needed somebody because I was on dialysis," said Bresson. "My daughter didn't want me driving anymore."

Thats where Sonya Bowser steps in. "I try to give her a sense of independence but with a little help."

Bowser is a Senior Helper.

It's an in-home companion service that allows fairly active seniors like Dorothy to stay in their own homes.

"I cook for her. I clean for her. She's pretty independent as far as her own personal needs," Bowser. "I take her to dialysis."

It's not just experience that owners of Senior Helpers consider when matching up a family's needs.

"We take the time out to match up the caregiver's personality with the needs of the family," Carolyn Thanasoulis, Co-owner of Senior Helpers, said.

While a service like this is often less expensive than a residential care facility, the cost -- especially in this tough economy -- is a consideration.

"There's more than one way to pay for it, typically it is private pay but in our case, if you are a veteran, there are veteran benefits available," Thanasoulis said.

Aid from Medicaid is another possibility.

"If you have a medical need, then you can also get a visiting nurse to come in and we just work hand-in-hand with them because Medicaid will pay a piece of that," said Thanasoulis.

And for Dorothy Bresson help at home keeps her happy and independent.

There are a number of in-home services available for different family budgets.

For more information call 2-1-1 and operators can answer your questions or direct you to where you need to go.