During the month of February there is a great deal of attention and focus placed on LOVE. Fancy restaurants fill up with dinner reservations months in advance. Florists function at a busy pace with beautiful bouquets being delivered all over town. Fine chocolates are purchased and given to those we love. These are all ways people show others that they love and care about them. These are all ways people strive to show those they love that they matter and are important.
So, what’s love got to do with it? Actually, love has a lot to do with everything. When someone loves and cares about another person, it can make that person feel as though they can make it through anything. A person thrives when they have someone who can encourage, motivate, and provide support for them. People need people. If there is anything we have learned from these past years, it is that we were not created to live life in isolation. People flourish with personal care and attention. Sadly, the opposite of this is true as well. People decline many times without it. So, what does this have to do with JoyCARE? JoyCARE is unique in that we strive to help others maximize their physical, cognitive, and emotional health. Each team member not only brings their skillset to each client, but they bring something many times more valuable…. They bring hope and joy!
Maybe you know of an older adult who lives in a nursing facility and seems to have lost hope that tomorrow could be better than today. Maybe you know of a senior who is currently struggling to perform the daily activities of life. Maybe you know a neighbor who could use some physical exercise and balance training in order to safely walk in their home. Maybe you have a relative who has begun having some memory issues or changes in their level of mental alertness. Maybe giving JoyCARE a call at 601-573-6344 could be the best gift of love that you could give to someone.
The idea of JoyCARE came to me while I was working in an assisted living facility as an Occupational Therapist. I saw there was a need in the lives of senior adults that went beyond traditional therapy. A one-on-one, continuous, and individualized program was needed to allow seniors the opportunity to reach and maintain their highest potential. JoyCARE can also help someone continue with a home exercise program after being discharged from traditional therapy.
If you, or someone you love, has experienced any of the changes I have mentioned, please continue reading to see how JoyCARE can help!
Life Skills
• Feeding
Grooming (taking care of nails and hair, applying makeup, and maintaining proper oral care)
Dressing tasks
Educating clients in safety
Light cooking
Managing home tasks
• Promotion of an Active Lifestyle
Encouraging clients to get up and be active
Taking clients on walks
Gentle exercises
Engaging clients in activities to encourage movement
Planting flowers and simple gardening
• Mental Alertness
Playing cards and using activities to help increase attention, concentration, problem solving, alertness, sequencing, and memory
Engaging in games to stimulate thought processes and provide interaction with others
Helping clients adjust to their current living environment
• Companionship
Assisting with letter writing
Reading books, magazines, etc.
Listening and engaging client in meaningful conversation
Reminiscing
Improving self- esteem through crafts and hobbies
• Organization
Eliminating clutter to reduce tripping hazard
Sorting and filing mail
Managing trash and throwing away junk mail
Writing appointments on calendar
Organizing closets and drawers
• Education
Education with emphasis on fall prevention
Education including ways to simplify tasks and conserve energy
JoyCARE, Inc. is unique because we offer the benefits of skilled individuals who provide attention and services that maximize the independence and safety of our clients. Every session is individualized to help each client meet his or her personal goals. JoyCARE, Inc. strives to keep clients as active and mentally alert as possible. While we are not a therapy service, we are much more than a traditional sitter service. JoyCARE, Inc. can help maintain the emotional well-being of our clients and help improve quality of life.
I am a licensed and registered Occupational Therapist with more than fifteen years’ experience treating the geriatric population. Upon graduation from the University of Mississippi Medical Center, I began my career at Methodist Rehabilitation Center where I gained experience treating victims of strokes and brain injuries, orthopedic surgery cases with emphasis on hip and knee replacements, amputees, and clients with generalized weakness. Following my tenure at MRC, I found my true passion caring for the geriatric population in various assisted living facilities. I have served as an Occupational Therapist and a Director of Rehabilitation Services. I am committed to providing quality, individualized care that enhances the lives of those I serve.
So, what’s love got to do with it? Everything! Love isn’t love, though, until we give it away. If you know someone in need of help to be the best they can be, maybe instead of that box of chocolates, you could consider giving the gift of JoyCARE this Valentine’s Day….
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Proverbs 17:22
Could you or someone you know benefit from JoyCARE? Please call Jennifer Joy Bird at (601) 573-6344 for more information.
